HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board Minutes-08-08-2023 Orange County Department on Aging
Advisory Board on Aging
Tuesday, August 8, 2023; 1 —3 p.m.
Passmore Center Hybrid
MINUTES
In Attendance: Rachel Bearman, Ann Bradford, Robert Bradford, Jeff Charles, Michael Joseph,
Saru Salvi, Vibeke Talley, Sandy Walker, Dick White; Jackie Podger. Guest - Lindsay Hinger
(Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce Leadership program member observing). Staff: Myra Austin,
Brandi Beeker, Ryan Lavalley, Leiha Edmonds, Kim Lamon-Loperfido, Kendall McMillan, Shenae
McPherson, Cyd Sims, Dawn Smith, Cydnee Sims, Beverly Shuford, Janice Tyler.
Absent— Excused: Colin Austin, Jerry Gregory
Absent—James Harris
1. Welcome —Janice welcomed everyone to the meeting, explaining that Colin was remote
today and his technology was not reliable. Vibeke agreed to chair the meeting in Colin's
absence.
2. Introductions and Announcements —Vibeke led the group in a round of introductions.
See announcements at the end of the minutes.
3. Approval of Minutes—The July 11, 2023, minutes were approved.
Director's Report
4. Staff Updates
a. Myra Austin, Senior Centers Administrator announced her retirement, effective
December 1. The board expressed their congratulations to Myra. Janice stated
that we will go through the process of filling her position.
b. We still need an outreach worker. A couple of people have expressed interest
and Janice is connecting with them to see if one of them is interested in the
position that is currently ARPA funded through September 2024.
a. Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging Annual Conference will be
held August 27-30, in Asheville, NC. Janice was asked present at the conference.
The presentation, "Your Community: Collective Action for Deep and Durable
Impact," will be in conjunction with Henderson, Buncombe, Forsyth Counties.
5. The new Fall Issue of Endless Possibilities will be available to the public this Friday.
Janice shared an advance copy with the board members. She encouraged everyone to
read the guide for important information and upcoming events.
Old Business
6. Take the Community Survey to help inform the development of a Five-Year Strategic
Plan for Orange County
a. The website is https://berrvdunn.mVsocialpinpoint.com/orangecounty. The site
includes a community survey, interactive comment map, and project updates.
7. Community Health Assessment—Survey response is low, please take the survey below.
The Health Department is going door to door to get responses. Residents receive a letter
ahead of time to let folks know that someone will be coming to conduct the survey.
Trying particularly to reach underserved communities.
a. https://redcap.link/ochd2023cha public
8. Help our outreach efforts, let us know if you hear of community events where we might
have an informational table.
2022-27 Master Aging Plan
9. Fourth Quarter and End of Year 1 Reports from MAP Workgroup Leaders
a. Community Health and Supports—Shenae McPherson and Kim Lamon-Loperfido
Will have a community member/ citizen champion working with us for data
collection beginning in year 2.
Q4 Highlights:
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month —an incredible amount of
programing and education are addressing MAP Objective 7.1 Develop supports
and resources to promote mental and behavioral health; from both OCDOA and
the SRT's; and partner agencies, including Alliance Health NC.
Additionally, Q4 saw OCDOA and partners hitting their mark with strategy 7.2.2;
through new volunteers, that allowed for expansion of routes at Meals on
Wheels and increase of services provided to community members via volunteers
— Including bi-lingual Mandarin and Spanish language volunteers.
Strategy 7.2.2: Increase the number of Orange County older adults
participating in existing volunteer opportunities.
Finally, with Objective 7.5: Expanding accessibility of available health and
wellness programs; geographic, cultural and scheduling barriers were addressed
with Mandarin language options, and new programs addressing pelvic floor
health, OTC hearing aids, urban Zumba and reflexology.
YEAR 1 SUCCESSES:
Objective 7.1: Develop supports and resources to promote mental/ behavioral
health
Strategy 7.1.1: Offer training to increase knowledge for community members and
professionals.
7.1.1a.
o At least 6 trainings offered quarterly.
0 30 trainings noted by Agencies in Year 1
Strategy 7.1.4: Develop and use a hoarding task force to support housing stability
for older adults.
Task force was created and meets monthly. We held a training in-person
and recorded the training, as well as interviewed on radio station. We are
developing goals and strategies for community assistance for year two.
Objective 7.2: Expand enriching volunteer opportunities for older adults.
Strategy 7.2.2: Increase the number of Orange County older adults participating
in existing volunteer opportunities.
• At the start of the Y1 we had dropped to 140 actively engaged
volunteers. At the end of Y1 we have 250 actively engaged volunteers.
o Serving 21,082 - equivalent to about 11 FTE
o Increase in minority participation 25 in 7/22 to 45 in 6/23
0 77% of our volunteer population being aged 51+
Strategy 7.3.3: Increase access to health maintenance and prevention resources.
7.3.3b. Safety and accessibility needs are assessed and fulfilled in coordination
with home health agencies.
Hired OT student DME assistant due to increased need from community;
supporting more than 1600 pieces of equipment in and out through OCDOA; for
year-2 starting survey of participants to understand demographics and DME/OT
roles in aging-in-place success.
Objective 7.4: Expand services to help older adults age in community.
Strategy 7.4.3: Support the establishment of new and existing community care
neighborhoods.
• Handy Helpers has completed 32 home safety and accessibility repairs
throughout the county.
o Volunteers donated 530 hours saving our older adults an average
of$26,500.
Objective 7.4: Expand services to help older adults age in community.
Strategy 7.4.1: Expand available support for older adults from communities of
color.
• Offered two successful programs that provided programming and
support for Asian older adults.
0 7 UNC Apples students provided social engagement and
translations services.
o UNC undergrad student presented various programs on end-of-
life options.
Objective 7.7: Support planning for and fulfillment of individual goals in all stages
at the end-of-life
Strategy 7.7.1: Build awareness about end-of-life planning and expand
options by increasing visibility of end-of-life issues, normalizing end of life
conversations, and supporting educational initiatives for community members.
o 7.7.1a. Increased education around end-of-life options with
specific examples,
New Death Cafe and more than 20 programs over the course of
year 1.
b. Communication and Information — Beverly Shuford
Strategy 8.1.2: Further expand OCDOA communications to racially diverse and
underserved communities.
Indicator 8.1.2d: Key documents, ads, and resources are made accessible to
people with vision and hearing impairments.
• Tablets, stands, and signage in-hand; all will be displayed following
asynchronous video training to ensure staff is informed.
• Multilingual Language informational videos and "how to" signs are
displayed on tablets at both Senior Centers.
Indicator 8.1.2e:Tools, including contact forms, flyers, and signage, are created
to support staff and front desk volunteers to welcome, interact with,and assist
community members from diverse language backgrounds.
• Inclusive Lobby Project (ILP) presented during May Monthly All-Staff Meeting.
• Front door "welcome" signage and "leave your contact information" forms
translated in top 7 OC Aging languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese,
Burmese, Karen, Kinyarwanda, and Korean.
• "Welcome" signage posted at both Centers.
• Inclusive Lobby Project folders containing instructions, resources and forms
are available at both Senior Center front desks.
• Orange County Language Card with 40+ languages for Senior Centers' lobbies
regarding Propio Telephonic Interpretation Services shared with staff and
available at both Senior Center front desks.
• Multilingual Language OCDOA informational videos displayed on tablets at
both Senior Centers for low vision/non-readers.
Strategy 8.1.4: Explore and expand non-electronic communication outlets.
Indicator 8.1.4a: OCDOA programs, services, and resources are shared with
racially diverse and underserved communities and events.
• Tabled at seven events offering resources/info in English, Spanish & Mandarin,
including two Hispanic/Spanish Language events and two racially diverse
community events. NOTE: Tabling and outreach events declined due to
Outreach Coordinator position vacancy.
Indicator 8.1.4c: Diverse radio stations, television stations, and newspapers are
identified and used to advertise OCDOA information.
• Launched OCDOA column, "Happy Life," on Chinese e Life on April 4.
• Chinese Community Liaison & Program Coordinator reported receiving many
inquiries and newcomers after the column was released. Many new Chinese
participants joining Seymour, several seniors come from Raleigh and Cary
every week and stay at Seymour for the whole day.
• Printouts of the Chinese articles are made available to Seymour participants
and Chinese e Life banner ad linked to an overview of OCDOA.
• Launched Aging Well Together (AWT) weekly radio show on May 4.
• AWT hosted nine engaging shows in Q4, sharing information, resources and
education for older adults and caregivers. Guests report having a great time
and appreciate the opportunity to share.
2022-27 HIGHLIGHTS YEAR 1
• An Orange County Community Relations position that focuses on diversity
and inclusion was created, with responsibilities including maintaining
resources, relationships, and a comprehensive contact list.
o Orange County Community Relations, Community Relations
Specialist, Kristin Prelipp, was hired.
• Multilingual Language informational videos and "how to" signs displayed
on tablets at both Senior Centers.
• Inclusive Lobby Project training completed, and project implemented
with all supporting technology and documents.
• Multilingual "Welcome" mural installed in the lobby of both senior
centers.
• Endless Possibilities multilingual friendly programs were identified and
indicated by specific icon and legend.
• Launched Chinese e Life column, "Happy Life," and "Aging Well Together"
radio show.
c. Transportation — Brandi Beeker, no report, she is on sick leave
d. Social Participation and Inclusion — Dawn Smith and Cydnee Sims
4t" Quarter
Focusing on 4 indicators:
• Inclusive Lobby Project has rolled out at each center. 5.1.1b
• Considered steps to help with neurodivergent aspects. 5.1.1b
• Established a good survey baseline. 5.1.3b
• 11 adult care homes have been identified that we can reach out to be sure
they are aware of our current programs offered. 4.1.1b
• Many upcoming programs scheduled to facilitate connections among
Senior Center participants 5.1.3a
Year 1
• Each center has a designated program assistant coordinator. 4.1.2b
• Intergenerational programming, pop-up programs, and ongoing caregiver
programming is going strong. 4.1.2a, 4.1.3a
• Continue to provide as much information as possible in other languages,
especially the most common languages in our area; continue to be creative
in reaching those that speak a different language. 4.1.1a
e. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings— Myra Austin
Goal 1: Optimize usability of outdoor spaces and buildings for older adults.
Objective 1.1: Increase engagement of older adults, emphasizing racially diverse
communities, in the planning of outdoor spaces and buildings in Orange County
(OC).
Strategy 1.1.1: Encourage advocacy efforts by including older adults relative
to the planning and use of public outdoor spaces and buildings.
Indicator 1.1.1a: At least one dedicated space for an older adult age 55+
(or representative of older adults) is on every county and town Advisory
Board that has input on outdoor spaces and buildings.
Indicator 1.1.1.1b: Other non-municipal and non-profit trail owner/groups
are invited to join MAP—Outdoor Spaces workgroup.
Indicator 1.1.1c: Older adults are educated on how to access information
about participating in local government planning and are encouraged to
contribute to meetings/hearings about outdoor spaces and buildings.
Indicator 1.1.1d: Interactive strategies are developed to solicit input from
older adults, with emphasis on racially diverse community members,
regarding parks, outdoor spaces, and community development needs.
ACTIONS:
Completed letter and mailed from the Aging Advisory Board to
county/towns (CH, Carr, Mebane, OCDEAPR, Hills already has in place) for
adoption of policy for an adult 55+ (or representative of older adults) on
Advisory Boards that have input on Outdoor Spaces and Buildings.
Invited 10 new organizations to join in FY22-23 —7 to join our group.
Worked with NCCU and other communities of color organizations to
present info. on how to participant in local government planning and
sought feedback.
Held a workshop on July 17 at Seymour with 25 participants from
different community groups.
Plans are underway to meet with Spanish Social Club and Mandarin
Speakers at the Seymour Center.
An invitation is in the Summer EP seeking input from communities and
especially communities of color on how best to help them with the input
and accessing information about participating in local government
planning re: outdoor spaces and buildings.
Objective 1.2: Improve equitable access, availability, convenience, and use of
outdoor spaces and buildings by everyone.
Strategy 1.2.1: Increase accessibility, diversity, and safety to encourage
inclusiveness in public outdoor spaces and buildings by older adults of all
abilities.
Indicator 1.2.1a: Older adults' use of outdoor spaces is encouraged
through multi-cultural special events and educational programs
organized by and/or for older adults.
Indicator 1.2.1b: A different park is highlighted quarterly, on the OCDOA
website and in the Endless Possibilities Activity Guide, with the
encouragement of participation by everyone.
Indicator 1.2.1c: Community members are assisted by Senior Center staff
in using interactive parks, greenways, and trails locator maps using short
video tutorials.
Indicator 1.2.1d: Trail intersections in need of signs/trail markers are
identified by older adults and community members, and identified
locations are shared with Responsible Agencies and other non-municipal
and non-profit trail owners.
Indicator 1.2.1e: Community members are educated on how to advocate
and fund additional equipment (e.g., benches, bathrooms) in public
spaces.
Indicator 1.2.1f: The inclusion of universal design principles is promoted
as standards in the development review processes of each jurisdiction.
ACTIONS:
Several different Outdoors Programs are offered at county/municipal
facilities and the OCDOA Senior Centers. Off-site programs are sponsored
by OCDOA.
Advertise Carrboro and Chapel Hill Parks & Rec Outdoor Adventures in
the "Endless Possibilities Activity Guide" (EP) along with the Interactive
Trails MAP.
A different Park is highlighted quarterly in EP. Parks highlighted in Qtr. 4:
Cedar Falls Park, Weaver Dairy Road, and CH P& R.
The Town of Hillsborough has passed a comprehensive sustainability plan
which includes universal design and encouraged other Orange County
municipal/county peers to do the same.
Strategy 1.2.2: Increase the availability of small-scale outdoor areas that
promote wellness and community engagement with an emphasis on racially
diverse communities and gathering spaces at the OC Senior Centers.
Indicator 1.2.2a: Outdoor areas (e.g., activity stations, stationary games
and/or adult playgrounds) are added to the Senior Centers.
Indicator 1.2.2b: Outdoor areas at the Senior Centers are made more
comfortable in different seasons (e.g., add outdoor heaters, shaded
spaces, fans, misting fans)
Indicator 1.2.2c: At least one bus stop in each town is converted into a
wellness stop.
Indicator 1.2.2d: Volunteer opportunities are inclusive and inviting to all
adults age 55+who enjoy working in community gardens (e.g., vegetable
gardens, flower gardens, pollinator gardens)
Indicator 1.2.2e: Existing outdoor spaces within OC are identified and
promoted that can be used as quiet meditation spaces for caregivers.
ACTIONS:
An outdoor play/exercise area at the Seymour Center is in the County's
Capital Improvement Plan for Yr. 2, FY25.
Outdoor areas at the Passmore and Seymour Centers have been made
more comfortable and inviting.
4 Wellness signs delivered to Town of Hillsborough for the bus stops and
in dialogue with the Town of Chapel Hill for signage at 4 bus stops where
older adults are primary riders and/or senior shuttle stops.
OCDoA lists volunteer opportunities in EP and Garden Clubs for both
centers always invite volunteers to join.
Town of Hillsborough lists volunteer opportunities and community
gardens with press releases and invites school groups and churches to
participate.
Listed quiet meditative spaces for caregivers in EP Fall edition, keeping
the list updated as identified and other community publications when
space is available.
f. Housing— Kendall McMillan and Ryan Lavalley
Q4 Highlights:
• Senior Housing Guide 2023 is complete with plans to present to the
community later this fall and again in the winter.
• Aging in Community Series planning is in progress for a presentation on
Fair Housing Law.
• Requested jurisdictions alert the OCDOA to any new Senior Housing being
developed in their respective areas. OCDOA has consulted with 2 projects
in development a co-op community and a CCRC.
Year 1 Success:
• Successful ADU event to relaunch the Aging in Community Series
• Orange County expands ADU policy to allow efficiency apartments to be
retitled as ADU, and the new proposal would allow ADU development to
go from 800 to up to 1500 sq ft or 80% of the current structure + allow
additional mobile homes on a parcel.
• Orange County Home Preservation Coalition is sustained with funding
and additional support from habitat, repair navigation + UNC PhD
student.
• Chapel Hill Town Council approved expedited review for affordable
housing in town and shorten the process for approval for 25% affordable
units, lowering the approval process time from 18 months to 4-6 months.
g. Employment— Position just filled, no report at this time.
• The Employment Workgroup will meet in September to assess where
they are, regroup and report next quarter.
Janice, thanked everyone for reporting and for doing such a great job. She also thanked our
community partners for their involvement and help. She stated that other counties are looking
to us and our MAP matrix keeps us accountable. The group thanked Janice for her leadership.
Committee Progress Reports if needed:
10. Senior Tar Heel Legislature— Dick White/Vibeke Talley
a. The STHL is still alive and well, providing members information via email. The
next meeting is scheduled for Oct 3-4. Due to there being no funding for the
STHL, this meeting will again be one where delegates stay/dine separate from
the meeting location. Dick requested "pork barrel" funding for the meeting but
has not received a response.
11. Nursing Home and Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee —Jackie Podger
a. Merger for ACH & NH unofficially official. The last step for approving the merger
is for the County to write the State and the State to send back the official
approval letter. The State ombudsman reported receiving the letter from our
BOCC. As long as the two groups gave approval it was not necessary to vote on
the merger. They are now up to 10 members out of an allotment of 14. There are
currently two candidates in the pipeline. The committee will be losing Vibeke in
December.
12. Friends of the Passmore Center— Dawn Smith
a. The Friends purchased 10 laptops for Passmore to do hands on computer
classes. We will pick up the laptops next week. The new laptop/computer class
program will appear in the new EP. The next fundraiser, the Holiday Market on
Dec. 9, is in the EP. Dawn invited everyone to come shop for the holidays.
13. Friends of the Seymour Center— No report
Announcements:
Board of Elections - Do you need transportation to the Board of Elections in Hillsborough to
get a photo ID made for voting purposes? Beginning September 28 at 10 am, and continuing
at 10 am every Thursday after until November 2, a vehicle with Orange County Public
Transportation will provide a ride from the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill to the Board of
Elections in Hillsborough for passengers to have their photo ID made for voting. Once all
passengers have been serviced by the BOE, the vehicle will return to the Seymour Center.
This service is FREE, but you must register by Monday in advance to use this once-a-week
service. Call the OC Department on Aging at 919-968-2070 (Seymour Center) —we will only
transport 3 persons per visit, times are in one hour blocks, starting at 10 am throughout the
day until 4 pm.
If you have questions, contact the OC Board of Elections at 919-245-2350 for more
information on voter ID, including a full list of the many acceptable forms of ID for voting can
be found at https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id. For any election-related questions,
please call the Board of Elections at 919-245-2350.
NC DMV Mobile Offices come to some small, rural towns and could provide ID's for voting.
However, the mobile units closed due to COVID and staffing shortages.
OCDOA Aging Transitions team has two trained notary and have been making home visits for
the homebound. There are also, notaries on staff if you can come in.
Adjournment
Next meeting: September 12, 2023, from 1—3 p.m. —Seymour Center & Virtual