COMMITTEE ON AGING MINUTES

March 26, 2013

 

This meeting and all other meetings of this committee are open to the public. Proper notice has been posted and given to the press in accordance with Wisconsin statutes so that the citizenry may be aware of the time, place, and agenda of this meeting.

 

Chairperson Patricia Craig called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Waupaca Nutrition Site, Trinity Lutheran Church – Lower Level, 206 E Badger St., Waupaca, WI.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Wayne Laux, Patricia Craig, Kenneth Renning, Mary Mathwig, Steve Stead, Janice Lytie, and Mary Kay Poehlman.

 

MEMBERS EXCUSED: None

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

 

ALSO PRESENT: Christie Gonwa, Peggy Strey, and Beverly Laux.

 

I.       ADOPTION OF AGENDA:

Motion to accept agenda made by Mary Mathwig and seconded by Wayne Laux. Motion carried.

 

II.    REVIEW AND ACCEPT MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 5, 2013: A motion was made by Wayne Laux to accept the minutes of February 5th, seconded by Mary Mathwig. Motion carried.

 

Public Comment:  None

 

A round table introduction welcomed County Board Supervisor and newest committee member Mary Kay Poehlman,

 

III.    ADRC/AGING DIRECTOR GENERAL REPORT – Christie Gonwa

A.  2012 ADRC/Aging Unit Self-Assessment  - Pointed out following highlights:

ü  She is technically reporting on 1 year (2012) of aging plan. Pointed out advocacy and legislative process. Senior Statesman Program ending – GWAAR hiring advocate for our programs and will offer more teaching on advocacy.

ü  Will see some increased emphasis on emergency preparedness/planning, especially with ADRC involvement/buy-in. Cited example of possible fire in group homes and apt. buildings of frail/ disabled etc., where evacuation would be necessary. Discussed possible development of volunteer rescue organization.

ü  Transportation had a great advocate in former ADRC manager Pat Enright and our efforts continue.

ü  NFCSP (National Family Caregiver Support Program) provides monies for support to the caregiver, which is a two-fold benefit to both the caregiver and care recipient.

ü  Health and Wellness – Change in local coordination as Kristine Wiegman has taken on this responsibility for our area. A program called Med Wise has also been added.

ü  The ongoing local goal of continuing a strong meal program remains. Former ADRC Manager, Patrick Enright, will soon begin his Ice Age Trail walk to benefit the program and is taking pledges/donations. We will know the impact of the sequester within the next couple weeks. The meal sites have been an area of great concern. The program has been the recent benefactor of some rather large local donations. This, and some dollars freed up from staff changes have been of help, but they are temporary Band-Aids. Not for Profit Waupaca Opportunities, Inc. (partnered with UW-Extension assistance) is a tax exempt entity to help us attract more donors. Christie continues to maintain a separate account with these monies, donated to support our programs, so they can be allowed that tax exemption when the not for profit efforts are fully up and running. The meal program is necessary for meals/nutrition, socialization, contact and welfare checks. Those who come to know this program often sing its praises.

 

Motion made by Steve Stead to accept the plan as presented, seconded by Wayne Laux. Motion carried

 

B.  2013-2015 Aging Plan(s) – Included in packet mailing – no questions.

C.  ADRC Quality Initiative-timelines – Transition Specialists are being added to health care agencies and hospitals to provide for a more successful patient transition from hospital to home, implementing a new automatic connection to the ADRC. Network Health is first in our area to start this process. St. Elizabeth’s and Appleton Medical Center are the first two hospitals on board, followed in unknown order by Theda Clark, New London, Waupaca, etc.

D.  Enrollment ES Timelines   We could have more efficiencies and continue to work on them, however, we have been down in I & A due a staffer’s medical leave along with the recently vacated ADRC Assistant position (who took other county employment). Job interviews for the latter will occur on 4/18 with hopeful replacement in early May. Coverage is an issue the consortium has offered to help with by temporarily providing us an ADRC Assistant from Outagamie County one day/week. This will help to free up sorely needed case management time. 

E.  APS Referrals, Education to MCO and Providers – Providers appear to be poorly educated on what constitutes an APS referral. Do they have behavioral or safety plans in place? We are finding education to our MCO and other providers as necessary. Christie will take up this issue with the consortium as she sees them as the primary educator.

F.   ADRC Assistant Opening – discussed under Item D.

 

IV.     AGING NETWORK REPORT

A.  GWAAR Program Update – Christie’s experience with GWAAR has been excellent. She finds what they do impressive in their support to us.

B.  Other – None

 

V.        NUTRITION PROGRAM

A.  New Clintonville Manager – Are very happy with new site manager Ryan Rockey. She has great energy and ideas and is planning an upcoming Meet n ‘Greet.

B.  Nutrition Advisory Committee Minutes

Minutes of latest meeting (3/13/13) not yet available. Will include in next agenda mailing.

C.  Site Updates – The biggest site issue is time. There is never enough of it. The site managers all go well above and beyond and are all very special people who often donate their own time and money for the sake of their consumers and the volunteers who support them. We are working on expanding New London’s home delivery area.

 

Steve Stead asked if some not for profit dollars could be used to augment staff hours etc? He cited the example of Matthew’s Tire having recently donated funds for a supported cause. They, along with many other like minded businesses (there are even some who match dollars – like AARP) campaign for their causes by offering discounts or proceeds and could be great resources.  Christie is open to a discussion on site hours etc.

 

VI.     AGING PROGRAMS UPDATES

A.  Volunteer Program – Volunteer Coordinator Kristine Wiegman is already gearing up for September’s picnic. She procured a large donation from the Shamrock Club of New London to secure the band and is working on this year’s theme – a Senior Prom. More to come.

B.  Transportation Program – Logisticare decided not to bid again. There are only two parties bidding; MTM and Access2CARE. We are waiting to see what the State will offer us. There is a $300K grant to evaluate urban and rural transportation needs, so time will tell on the results of that as well.

C.  National Family Caregiver Support Program –There are currently about 20 members in the Caregiver Coalition. A caregiver seminar is planned for September in Waupaca. A Save the Date will appear in this week’s ADRC Connection - distributed in area Buyer’s Guides. Future plans to offer similar opportunities in the northern half of the county are in discussion.

 

VII.  AGING AND DISABILTY RESOURCE CENTER REPORT

A.     Waiting List Update, Enrollments YTD – We do not have a wait list and handle them as they come in.

B.     Nursing Home Relocation Activities – The position is much busier than expected as we now have 50+ referrals. Six per month were initially projected. The position is funded by Federal and State dollars (Money Follows the Person). We are working on getting help for new worker, Jennifer Schimmelpfenning.

C.     Inclement Weather Policy for COA Meetings – No policies were found to be in place here or elsewhere. It was decided that the following be implemented.

 

Committee on Aging meeting cancellations will be made at the discretion of the Aging & Disability Resource Unit Manager due to inclement weather conditions and/or any other issues of concern for member safety. Members will be contacted prior to 8:00 AM on the day of said meeting for timely cancellation.

 

Motion by Kenneth Renning, and seconded by Mary Mathwig approving this policy were made. Motion unanimously accepted. This policy will be recommended to other committees of interest.

 

D.     Christie asked the membership if they wanted to spend more time on the Aging Plan and/or advocacy issues in training/development sessions. She is looking at starting up a volunteer group for emergencies and one for meal program advocacy. The question “Can Committee on Aging Members advocate issues?” was raised, as it has been a source of past confusion. Christie will check with GWAAR on this and how in depth advocacy on needs and issues can be done by COA members.  It was also asked if there was a COA member job description. A binder was given to each member prior to the start of this meeting, which included many items, but nothing job description specific. Peggy will research.

 

VIII.        NEXT MEETING –May 28, 2013 – Waupaca County Courthouse, 811 Harding St., Waupaca. 9:00 AM.

 

IX.     ADJOURN – Motion by Mary Kay Poehlman, seconded by Steve Stead to adjourn at 10:17 AM. Motion carried.

 

 

Respectfully submitted by

 

 

Peggy Strey,

Program Assistant

Aging and Disability Resource Unit