Dear Friends, 

The Payne-Phalen Living-at-Home/Block Nurse Program urgently needs your help! Due to the loss of State grants which support our program (and other BNPs throughout the state) the Payne-Phalen program may no longer be able to operate in the generous manor what done in the past to provide the services that allow East Side elders to remain healthy and safe in their homes. This should be of grave concern for any elder, elder’s caregivers, relatives, neighbors, or anyone in the community who hopes to be an elder one day.  

Here are a few examples of some of the people who rely on our dedicated staff and volunteers:  (Names have been changed for privacy.)

Norm is an 85-year-old widower who lives alone. His two adult children live in other states. Since the first of this year Payne-Phalen BNP staff and volunteers have visited Norm 26 times. He has received help with medical forms, nursing assessments, wound care, and rides to medical appointments. We also found someone to assist him with cooking, housekeeping and lawn services. When he has questions about a health issue, is concerned about driving due to the weather, or needs help with a situation in his home, he calls the BNP.

Helen is an 82-year-old widow who has no children. She has macular degeneration and is legally blind but has been able to stay in her home with the help of rides from staff and volunteers to her doctor, bank and shopping. At a monthly blood pressure clinic the Block Nurse noticed that Helen’s blood pressure was dangerously low which put her at risk of a heart attack or fall. Our nurse called her clinic to get a change in medications which stabilized her pulse and prevented medical complications. Helen also enjoys visits from nursing students and attends the BNP’s monthly social gatherings.

Cal is 80 and has outlived three wives. He is a Korean War veteran and has health issues that require visits to the VA Medical Center. A Block Nurse staff person picks him up and accompanies him to visits, and helps him navigate the halls of the clinic and answer the doctor’s questions about what was done on previous visits. After each visit he says, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”  Our staff also helps educate Cal about his diabetes. He has his blood pressure checked at a free monthly blood pressure clinic that the Block Nurse Program conducts in his building.

Sincerely,

The Payne-Phalen Staff and Board

1280 Arcade St., St. Paul, MN 55106 651.774.7078

www.blocknurse.org/payne