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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board Minutes 051711 1 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes May 17, 2011 PRESENT: Leo Allison, Heather Altman, Alex Castro, Ed Flowers, Mary Fraser, Steve Lackey, Katherine Leith, Haryo Marsosudiro, Joan Pellettier, Jean Suddarth, Jan Wells STAFF: Kathie Kearns, Janice Tyler The meeting was called to order at the Central Orange Senior Center by Chair Heather Altman. The April 12 minutes did not list Ed Flowers as present. Following that correction, the motion to approve the minutes was made by Alex Castro and seconded by Leo Allison. Motion carried. In her Director’s Report Janice Tyler announced that the Older Americans Month Proclamation was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on May 3. The Advisory Board Chair acknowledged Ms. Tyler’s work in updating the 2011 Proclamation. The Director announced that Mary Fraser has agreed to serve as the interim Aging Transitions Program Division Supervisor following the departure of Vibeke Talley. Ms. Tyler informed the Advisory Board of UNC Health Care’s intent to reinstate the Mood Memory & Mobility Clinic at the Seymour Center. The letter received by Robert Seymour promised full funding for the first year and decreasing amounts in year two and three. Discussion followed on other possible sources of funding that could be utilized to sustain the 3M Clinic’s operation in the future. Following introductions, the Chair recognized the Orange County representatives and alternates to the Triangle J Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. She added that Mario Battigelli is being nominated to fill the current vacancy on that council. Mary Fraser reported on the Long Term Care Roundtable held on May 13 at the Seymour Center. Seven Orange County facilities were represented. The discussion centered on the positive aspects of the facilities and the areas for improvement. Based upon the findings from a Durham County pilot project the two specific future focus areas would be meal time and the first forty-eight hours of a new resident’s stay. Although a future meeting date was not determined, the consensus was that the Roundtable was a success and another session should be planned. The Chair commended the Advisory Board members who made this MAP priority a reality. Kathie Kearns distributed a summary of the proposed Home and Community Care Block Grant funding for the Department on Aging in FY 2011-12. Joan Pellettier added that this funding is tentative pending adoption of the State budget. Ms. Kearns also informed the Advisory Board that the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program has been notified of a 20% decrease in federal funding, effective July 1. To meet this $9,000 shortfall RSVP has proposed to discontinue its volunteer mileage reimbursement. The balance of the reductions will be taken from operating expenses. Mary Fraser announced that Katherine Leith has agreed join her as Co-Chair the 2012-2016 Master Aging Plan. She also stated that a preliminary meeting was held with the UNC 2 Department of Public Health’s Division of Health Behavior/Health Education Capstone team to prepare for the fall semester MAP assignment. Each MAP subcommittee will have a Capstone student assigned as support staff. Ms. Fraser also announced that two UNC summer practicum students will be working with the Department on Aging this summer to begin gathering community input for the MAP planning process. One of the students will continue as part of the Capstone team. Katherine Leith distributed the schedule of community focus groups that will be held during May and June in each Orange County township. A list was circulated for Advisory Board members to indicate which focus group session they could attend. Based upon her experience with Durham County, Joan Pellettier suggested collecting the demographics of all focus group participants and tape recording each session. Mary Fraser noted that the students will also be conducting ‘aging-friendly’ assessments by interviewing County department heads, utilizing the survey tool that the Division of Aging developed for its assessment of State agencies. She suggested that an online survey of County Government staff could also be conducted and that the survey could be promoted through the Senior Center listserv. Discussion followed on how the survey would be conducted and the data analyzed. Mary Fraser reported on the May 3 MAP Update Planning Committee meeting. She asked for feedback on the timeline listed in the Committee minutes. Discussion followed on the composition of the Steering Committee and the workgroups. Janice Tyler stated that there will be more subcommittees during the 2012-16 Update process due to the focus shift from functional status to the issues identified in the State Aging Plan for 2011-15. The consensus was to continue assembling a list of persons who should be involved in the process and then selecting Steering Committee membership from that list. There will be cross-membership among the Advisory Board, the Steering Committee and the workgroups. Forms will be available at the focus group sessions for attendees to volunteer for involvement in the planning process, asking their particular field of interest. Composition and framework will be further considered at the June Advisory Board meeting. The first task for the Steering Committee will be planning the kick-off event for September. Leo Allison reported that the Friends of the Central Orange Senior Center held its annual meeting on May 13. Mr. Allison was re-elected Chair and the Board of Directors was increased to 18 members. Steve Lackey announced that the Friends of the Seymour Center will be hold its annual meeting on May 19. Advisory Board member Mike Symons will assume the office of Chair. Heather Altman stated that the Orange-Chatham Community Resource Connections project has developed cooperative agreements with 19 service providers. She invited all present to attend the Hospital Transitions meeting on June 3. Ed Flowers reported that Senior Care’s financial status is improving. He also announced that he has constructed a listserv for the Advisory Board’s use and will be testing it soon. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Janice Tyler, Secretary 3 .