Mansfield Commission on Aging Minutes

   2:30 PM – Senior Center            Monday, March 13, 2006

Present: P. Hope (staff), T. Quinn, Samuel Gordon (guest), M. Thatcher, C. Phillips, B. Acebo, D. Mercier, E. Norris, J. Kenny (staff), K. Grunwald (staff), J. Brubacher

I. Call to Order  - The meeting was called to order at 2:35 PM by Lib Norris, Interim Chair.

II. Appointment of Recording Secretary: K. Grunwald agreed to take minutes for the meeting.

Acceptance of Minutes of the January 9, and February 13, 2006 meeting: The minutes of the January meeting could not be accepted due to the lack of a quorum at the February 13 meeting.  An informal discussion was held at that meeting with the following individuals: K. Grunwald (staff), E. Norris, M. Thatcher, C. Phillips, T. Quinn, K. Doeg, B. Acebo. The minutes of the January 9 meeting were approved as written.

III. Correspondence – Chair and Staff: none

IV. Optional Reports on Services/Needs of Town Aging Populations

A. Health Care Services

Wellness Center and Wellness Program – J. Kenny distributed copies of her reports for the months of January and February.  She stated that she was very busy after the holidays.  There are continued concerns re: Medicare D and confusion about Connpace prescription drug coverage.  She also distributed information on proposed state legislation to license homecare service providers and conduct criminal background checks on providers.     

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation – J. Kenny reported that they are doing additional training on wound care; using new equipment to treat incontinence.  D. Mercier reported that they are trying to create a more compassionate care environment through a number of different programs.  Edith Prague was recently visiting the Center, and had pointed out that there is a 6% provider tax charged to private care patients. 

J. Kenny also handed out information on the passage of federal legislation to change Medicaid rules.

B. Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – P. Hope distributed copies of her report.  She also updated the Commission on the Town’s application to the State Dept. of Transportation for additional funds for elderly and disabled transportation.      

Senior Center Assoc. – J. Brubacher reported that a new shed should be installed this month.  The Town has requested funding in this year’s budget in the amount of $3000 to analyze space needs for the Senior Center.  On March 31 there will be an intergenerational dinner at E.O. Smith High School at 5:30; all are invited!  The cost is $8 per person.  The Association will sponsor a bazaar on May 6 at the Senior Center.

C. Housing

Assisted Living Project--- Copies of the Executive Summary of the market analysis were distributed at the last meeting, and are available at the Senior Center. Susan Brecht and Beth Wills delivered a presentation on the results of the study at the Town Council meeting on Feb. 27.  K. Grunwald gave a brief summary, and J. Brubacher encouraged people to read the full report (copies available). 

Juniper Hill: B. Acebo reported that they will be working over the next year to modify 12 apartments for assisted living and adding a sprinkler system.  They are also installing heat sensors and an alarm system in the cottages.  P. Hope announced that the meal price at Juniper Hill has increased; lunch is now $5, and anyone can take meals there.   

Jensen’s Park, Other: B. Acebo heard that they are raising their monthly rent.

D. Related Town and Regional Organizations such as:

Advisory Committee on the Needs of People with Disabilities: no report

Town Plan of Conservation and Development: no report

Senior Resources of Eastern CT: no report

V. Old Business

Review of final version of the survey for the Long Range Plan  - K. Grunwald distributed copies of the most recent version of the survey.  It was accepted with some minor changes, and plans will be made to distribute it in the next month.

Requests from non- profit Agencies for Town funds – Community Companions and Homemakers (report from C. McMillan) requesting $5300.  Several members spoke highly of the agency.  It was agreed unanimously to fund the agency at the level requested. 

TVCCA Meals On Wheels: C. Phillips reported that they are requesting  $1460 for just the Meals On Wheels program.  She reported that there are a minimal number of residents served; rated 26/30.  P. Hope reported that some residents receive home-delivered meals from Windham Hospital.   It was agreed unanimously to fund them at the level requested.

WRTD Dial-A-Ride: M. Thatcher reported that they are requesting less than last year due to a decrease in ridership.  Recommendation uanimously to fund at the requested level of $36,099 for Dial-A-Ride and $29,636 for the ADA transportation, which was approved by the group.

McSweeney Regional Center: T. Quinn reported that they have requested an additional $1000 to an amount of $6000.  He raised questions about whether or not the Town can afford the increase.  He recommended that they be funded at the level requested, and this was unanimously approved by the group. 

Review of Town’s application for additional funds for transportation: an application has been submitted to the State Department of Transportation to receive $32,000 to provide additional transportation for seniors and disabled residents.  This would be funded and implemented for July 1 of this year.

Update on the status of re-establishing a State Department of Aging: K. Grunwald mentioned that the advisory committee has completed their work.  P. Hope reported that a recommendation is being drafted to be sent to the legislature.  T. Quinn mentioned that all of the functions (along with funds) of the department have been allocated to other departments, and it would take 1-2 years to bring this back together under a separate department.  It would also appear to add an administrative layer.  Several members raised concerns about the need for a separate Department to advocate and provide oversight for the needs of seniors.  J. Brubacher agreed to invite Rose Fowler to speak to the Commission to report on the recommendations of the advisory committee at our next meeting. 

VI. New Business: none

VIII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:08  PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 10, at 2:30 pm at the Senior Center

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald