Council on Aging Meeting
HARWICH COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD MEETING
JUNE 10, 2015
The meeting was called to order by Chair Adrienne Johnson at 9:30.
Attendance: Adrienne Johnson, Joe Johnson, Ralph Smith, Mike Smith, Lee Culver
& Barbara-Anne Foley
Adrienne introduced new member Richard Waystack. Richard described his background and reasons for joining the board.
Minutes: Mike Smith moved to accept minutes, Joe Johnson seconded.
Director’s Report: Barbara-Anne Foley stated the COA now has radio ads regarding the programs here like the Senior Dining program. The ad states we are also is looking for new volunteers.
Barbara-Anne requested assistance/direction from the Board in regards to terminating the “Cares” Support Group from Hope Health Dementia. Hope Health has had a change in their policy of offering the group for free to the clients they serve at the COA and now beginning in the new fiscal year will be charging the clients Medicare benefit. This goes against the policy of the Harwich Community Center to charge anyone’s Medicare benefit. This could also leave the client in need with a potential co pay. The Hope Health organization paid for 2 rooms for $300 for FY16 and would need that money refunded.
Lee Culver suggested the COA should contact Ex. Office of Elder Affairs to inform them of the situation. Richard Waystack suggested we need confirmation from Hope Health stating this is factual. Barbara-Anne stated she has been in contact with several other COA Directors and they have in fact had clients charged and one of the clients in Harwich also reported to Barbara-Anne that she had attended only one time and was charged a copay and didn’t know why. Barbara-Anne also stated that the Facilitators of the Support Group had their contracts ended at the end of the fiscal year and that for over 15 years the Harwich COA Group has been together with Fran Lavin RN the facilitator and when Barbara-Anne spoke to the clients alone they wanted to stay with this Facilitator.
Barbara-Anne will draft a letter for the Board’s approval. Barbara-Anne has requested the FCOA and the funds from the remember Walk be used to support the new group facilitated by Fran Lavin, RN with the 501C3 being Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod.
The Board discussed the situation brought to the BOS by the Town Administrator regarding his goals and looking into 2 departments with positions in each to see if there is any room for outsourcing, reorganization or elimination of the positions being reviewed. The COA is one of the 2 departments and the 2 positions are the Chef and the Town Nurse being reviewed by the Town Administrator.
The Aging Mastery Grant was received. An informational session will be held on june 19th at 12:30 with EPOCH of Harwich supplying the luncheon for that session. A program will be established for once a week for 30 people for 12 weeks beginning in August.
Barbara-Anne Foley went to the MEMA seminar where she learned of many helpful ideas regarding Emergency procedures. The CAPE bags were discussed. It was recommended holding a day for people to donate items for the whole family and maybe have students to help promote this and work for that day. It is also important to have a plan for the pets.
Lee Culver made a motion to eliminate July meeting and resume in August, Joe Johnson seconded. It was approved.
Mike Smith moved to adjourn, Ralph Smith seconded at 10:45.
The next meeting will be held in Room #1 at the Community Center at 9:30 on August 5, 2015.