Minutes

September 12, 2007

PRESENT: G. Cole, K. Grunwald (staff), J. A. Bobbitt, A. Kenefick, Stephen Kegler (The Long Hill Company), G. Padick (staff), S. Thomas, J. Brubacher, N. Sheehan

I. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS: members introduced themselves to Steve Kegler.

II. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE: no public comment.

III. REVIEW OF MINUTES: August 16, 2007: J. A. Bobbitt asked that the minutes clarify that this project is not on the University’s list of committed projects for water use. Aside from that addition the minutes were approved as written.

IV. COMMUNICATIONS:

A. Agenda

B. August 16, 2007 Minutes

V. DISCUSSION/NEW BUSINESS:

A. Presentation by Stephen Kegler, Long Hill Associates: He stated that Long Hill did an in-house market study in 1999/2000, which indicated that there was not a sufficient market to support this. They now feel that the Brecht report suggests that there is a sufficient market. Long Hill is the development/management subsidiary of United Methodist Homes. They are a non-profit corporation, and operate three facilities in CT, along with six other states. These include nursing homes, independent, and assisted living facilities. Long Hill has seen many changes in how independent/assisted living facilities are designed and operated. They have embraced the Planetree philosophy; which is a relationship-based operating philosophy. The hallmarks are flexibility of services, “green” cleaning, non-traditional programs, and wellness services. This program has been adapted into existing facilities; and Long Hill is looking for a site to build and develop around this new program. They see a university community as appropriate for this. The project would be developed around programming to be put in place: 60-80 units, no more than 20-25 receiving assisted living services, higher % of men than most facilities like this. These would be “frail elderly” looking for support or assistance with meals and housing but not needing other medical services. The average age of residents would be 86. This would be viewed as a replacement product for nursing homes for people who don’t need that level of care. The current trend is to stay in home as long as possible and receive services at home.

Q: Facility based on programs? A: The thought is to design facilities based on services not currently offered in the community. They would look at the kind of wellness services to be put in place. The design of the building is from the inside out: reduce lateral transfer distance, common space is accessible to all residents. The focus is on services rather than real estate. They would consider a separate unit for dementia care. Would be willing to set up tours of facilities, including with competitors.

Q: Staffing model? A: Executive Director (ALFA Certified), SALSA (RN Supervisor, 40 hours), on-call nursing coverage, nurse designee (RN), physical therapist (if needed), therapeutic recreation director, service departments, certified nurses aides or certified home health aids.

Q: Medical Care? A: private physicians, exam room on site. In

Farmington there is a geriatric specialist who sees residents on site as their primary care physician. Services can be received through a VNA or home health nurse. The RN is responsible for supervising activities (management position) and conducting a nursing assessment. They generally form a relationship in the local area with the local VNA.

Q: Where would residents go who need dementia care? A: Outside of the area (Glastonbury may be closest), possibly to a nursing home if skilled nursing care is required. Many residents in their facilities have some form of early dementia.

Q: Difference between Planetree and other philosophies? A: Edencare is another one. Planetree takes 3 years for certification, staff must be trained in this philosophy. The philosophy is based more on programs.

Q: Fees? A: Depends on the market analysis and the target population. They do operate a facility focused on Section 8/Title 19 recipients. Rent is market rate, plus the cost of services (core services) provided. Medical services are variable based on need, and there is an additional fee for those. Typically residents purchase a plan of services, needs are reviewed quarterly. There is an entrance fee that offsets the costs of initial assessments (300-$500). There is also a security deposit and first month’s rent required.

Q: Typical unit in Mansfield? A: Smaller unit (350-450 sq. ft.), all fully accessible (walk-in showers), individual heat and AC controls, all resident rooms have windows. Internet access in every unit, along with computer classes. There are some seating assignments for meals; it depends on the facility.

Q: Site issues? A: Could be in Storrs or more towards the southern part of town. Preference is to be on a main road, some consideration for being on a main commuter route. Want to be close to services that are frequently used (doctors, lawyers, post office, etc.). He predicts that it will take two years to fill 80 units.

Q: Parking needs? A: Minimal needs for parking; the issue is addressing residents who should no longer be driving. 5-10% of residents who come in are still driving. Each facility has an accessible van, along with a passenger car that can be used for resident transportation.

Discussion: It appears that their orientation is towards the frail elderly; not the more active senior. The general impression was that this is a more resident-focused orientation than a facility-focused orientation, focused on programs.

B. Review of Qualifications received: there is significant interest from Hawthorne Partners/Benchmark, and they have been scheduled for a presentation at our next meeting on 9/26. While Sunrise continues to express interest we have not received their qualifications.

C. Next Steps: presentations from Hawthorne Partners/ Benchmark and Sunrise Assisted Living; development of an RFP.

D. “Other”: G. Padick reiterated that the water issue is a serious issue, and there are still two studies that need to be completed to determine the capacity of the system to add other users. The community perception of this issue has changed drastically in the last 6 months.

VI. SCHEDULE FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 9-10:30; location TBD.

VII. ADJOURNMENT: the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald