AGING AND LONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE
Monday, December 10, 2007
Administrative Center – Room 3220
9:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Roger Plesha, Jim Ehrsam, Ann Fisher, Sharon Hampson, Ray Ebert (exc @10:36), Lyell Montgomery (arr @9:02)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Jerry Sebranek, Jason Gillett
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
GUESTS & STAFF: Pam Semb, Pete Eide, Noreen Kuroski, Steve O’Malley, Todd Wilson, Tim Poellinger Jr., Bill Klug, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Roger Plesha, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Fisher/Ebert to approve minutes of November 5, 2007. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek, Gillett excused; Montgomery absent.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Ehrsam/Fisher to accept the following consent agenda items:
· Recognition of Mary Hennen’s retirement
· Commission on Aging Minutes of November 6, 2007·
· Commission on Aging Advisory Committee Minutes of October 3, 2007
· Long Term Care Council Minutes of November 2, 2007
· Transportation Coordinating Committee & Transit Coordinating Council Minutes of September 14, 2007
· Ripples & Waves – Lakeview Newsletter
Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek, Gillett excused; Montgomery absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
FUTURE OF ELDERLY SERVICES BY TODD WILSON, CEO, BETHANY LUTHERAN HOMES, INC.
Todd Wilson, CEO of Bethany Lutheran Homes, Inc., met with the committee at the request of Supervisor Ebert. Supervisor Ebert said he wanted input/perspective from a non-governmental entity regarding future of elderly services. Mr. Wilson made the following comments:
· Bethany Lutheran Homes is an affiliate of Gundersen Lutheran
· It operates 10 different facilities in the area: skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living.
· Prior to the recent opening of Eagle Crest, several extensive market studies were done. They showed a need for independent living/private pay. The need stays flat for the next 18 years. Since the studies were done, 3 additional facilities have also opened up as well as several others who plan to add on. Currently no waiting lists for assisted living facilities.
· There is a need for subsidized assisted living – for those in CMO program.
· Future need could possibly include subsidized independent living.
· Assisted living is considered as 24/7 staffed; currently three types: AFH, RCAC and CBRF.
· Affects of MCO? He foresees more strain on the network providers; may also cause increase in rates for private pay as a way of covering the cost difference.
· State philosophy is early intervention and to keep in least restricted care which should save on costs vs. placement in nursing homes (noted by S. O’Malley).
· For Bethany Lutheran Home nursing homes, the average length stay is 22 days. Key is to have facilities close to hospitals (5 miles or less).
· Re future: currently sees more nursing home beds on the market than needed, but may see need for increase in 10-15 years. See need for housing residents with behavioral issues.
REQUEST BY SHELBY YOUTH BASEBALL
Bill Klug and Tim Poellinger Jr., two members of the Shelby Youth Baseball, presented information and made a request of the committee. Shelby Youth Baseball leases/uses land from the County (Hillview) for three baseball fields, including a parking lot; total number of kids that use the facility range from 520-550, plus their families. For the one field located at the north end, the group would like to extend the fence located in the outfield by an additional 50 feet. This would accommodate high school age players who have the capability of hitting the ball over the fence. This age group is currently using school-owned baseball fields as it better accommodates their hitting capabilities. The group presented an Ariel map that showed current facility layout, including a map that showed the proposed fence extension. Estimated cost to move the fence and remove some dirt is estimated at $20,000-30,000 with funds in order to do such work. Keeping the high school age kids at this site as well as holding tournaments at the site affects approximately 180 kids and their families. Miscellaneous questions and comments. Committee Chair Plesha noted the County has not yet determined future needs for Hillview and Carroll Heights; he also noted past problems with the Shelby Youth Baseball group. Supervisor Ehrsam concurred. Supervisor Montgomery said he lives across the street and sees it as very good use of space; that it’s a family-oriented program and he endorses it. General agreement by committee members to hold over to the January committee meeting. Prior to that meeting, County staff will view the site in question; committee members will also be invited, if interested.
STRAP GRANT UPDATE AND APPROVAL
Noreen Kuroski distributed copies of notification letter from the WI Dept. of Transportation regarding County award of STRAP grant funding for up to $111,484 to be used for public transportation service expansion. Also included with the letter was an overview of how the grant will be used that includes a Mobility Manager, a toll free number to call for a ride information, educational campaign, development of a transportation website, and expansion of Shared Ride services to several rural towns. Noreen noted required 20% cash match will come from the 85.21 funding, plus $3,000 from each of the 3 towns for the Shared Ride services; total cost for the project is estimated at $148,500. MOTION by Hampson/Fisher to accept the STRAP grant as presented. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek, Gillett excused.
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL FUNDING AGEADVANTAGE – OUTREACH & SERVICES FOR HMONG POPULATION - $22,776
Noreen briefly reviewed, noting the grant will assist the Aging Dept. with offering resources for the elder Hmong population. Plan to develop an outreach program to assist Hmong elders; examples are good nutrition and the benefit of senior meal sites, caregiver support, Medicare/Social Security, and teach them to use the Mini Bus. The Aging Dept. will work cooperatively with the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, the Aging & Disability Resource Center, County Health Dept., CMO and AgeAdvantAge to better serve the elder Hmong population.
MOTION by Hampson/Montgomery to accept the AgeAdvantage grant in amount of $22,776. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek, Gillett excused.
CELEBRATION OF HMONG HEALTH & CAREGIVING – SLIDE SHOW
Noreen showed a slideshow of the recently held event. An interpreter was present that assisted the Hmong elders in filling out paperwork that related to their flu shots; also held hearing screenings and other type health screenings; a meal was served as well as gave away some door prices. Almost all in attendance were interested in similar events and extended services and assistance.
CARROLL HEIGHTS UPDATE
Pete Eide briefly reviewed. Residency is down a bit, but trying to maintain and compete with newer facilities.
2006 LAKEVIEW AUDIT REPORT
Copies of the audit report were sent with the agenda. Miscellaneous questions pertaining to revenue and expenses. MOTION by Ehrsam/Fisher to accept the 2006 Audit Report for Lakeview Health Center. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek, Gillett excused.
LAKEVIEW COLLABORATION UPDATE
Steve O’Malley noted a very good informational meeting held on December 5th with the other counties who plan to be part of the Lakeview collaboration. La Crosse County was well represented. Pam noted another such meeting is planned for the end of January. The plan is for the County Board to approve the management agreement at the January County Board. Committee Chair Plesha suggested its presentation at the January Aging and Long Term Care Committee meeting and at the January County Board Planning Session.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
None requested.
Monday, January 7, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Committee Chair Plesha declared the meeting adjourned at 10:3 a.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder