1994-05-12 Work Session
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MINUTES OF WORK SESSION WITH'THE DEPARTMENT
OF AGING, MAY 12, 1994
PAGE 59
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of .Commissioners held 'a Work
Session with the Department of Aging on Thursday, May 12, 1994, at
1~:15 A.M. in the. Conference Room of the Senior Center, 222 South
College Road, Wilmington, N. C.
Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A.
Caster;. William E. Sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.;
Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen 0' Neal; County
Attorney, Wanda M. .Copley; and Clerk to the Board, LucIe F.
Harrell.
Chairman Greer called the Work Session to order and welcomed
everyone present.
OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGING
Deputy County Manager, Andrew J: Atkinson, reported several
months ago, the Department of Aging decided to reduce the number of
hours the Senior Center would remain open at night. This action
was taken because of problems being created for the housekeeping
staff and the department's inability to provide personnel at night
to ensure the safety and security of the building. Numerous calls
were received about the reduction in hours and a survey was
conducted to see if the various groups would be willing to pay a
rental fee for use of the facility during the evening hours. The
results of the survey indicated that people were not willing to pay
a fee. As a result of these complaints, staff felt that a Work
Session should be scheduled for a complete overview of the Senior
Center and the programs administered since moving into the new
facili~y.
Director of Aging, Annette Crumpton, reported on the number of
changes that have occurred in the programs and the number of
elderly adults now being served by the Department of Aging.
The Department of Aging' is structured through the
Administration divided into three divisions: (1) In-Home Services;
(2) Retired Senior Volunteer Program; and (3) Senior Center
Activities.
The mission statement of the Department of Aging is to act as
the Focal Point for Aging Services in New 'Hanover County by
providing servic~s which promote wellness, encourage independence,
and enhance the quality of life for all persons sixty years and
older.
Based on the 1990 census, there are approximately 23,500 older
adults over the age 60 (the age stipulated for older adults in
federal grant programs). Of the 23,500 older adults, 1,175 are in
Nursing Homes; 2,350 are frail and home bound; and 19,975 are
healthy and active. From 1990 to 1994, the general population in
New Hanover County has increased approximately 8% (120,284 to
129,900) and the 60+ population has increased 15% (20,532 to
23,500).
IN-HOME SERVICES
Congregate: The same number of 'persons are being served congregate
meals; however, in 1990 there were six nutrition sites providing
this service. . Today, there are four nutrition sites"providing
these meals for approximately the same number of persons.
Home Delivered Meals Program: During the past year, the number of
home delivered meals has experienced a growth rate of 34%. In
1990, the number of persons receiving home delivered meals was 171
and today, 250 persons are receiving home delivered meals.
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MINUTES OF WORK SESSION WITH THE DEPARTMENT
OF AGING, MAY 12, 1994
PAGE 60
Transportation: Over a period of one year, transportation services
have increased 95%. In 1990, transportation services were being
provided to 50 persons and today 96 persons are receiving these
services. This increase is due to the following factors: (1) the
older adult, frail and elderly population of 75 and older is
growing faster than the 60+ population; (2) the consolidated County
Transportation System now has 11 vehicles and is expecting another
vehicle; and (3) medical transportation services have increased for
elderly adults, particularly for dialysis and radiation treatments.
The Transportation System has become a well. coordinated system, and
the County should be proud of this service which is a cooperative
spirit among all the agencies involved.
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County Manager O'Neal complimented the Director of Aging, the
Assistant to the County Manager, Pat Melvin, and all the agencies
involved with the Transportation System for the excellent manner in
which this system has been developed.
Case Assisted Information and Referral: Under this program, a
staff person is sent into the home of the older adult to assess
that individual's needs. A care plan is developed and this
individual is then linked to the appropriate service, whether a
service provided by the Department of Aging or another agency.
Over the past year, there has been a 34% increase in the case load.
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Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether there is a
duplication of services with the Department of Social Services?
Director Crumpton reported the Department of Aging renders
services to older adults that are 60+ in age regardless o~ thei~
income; whereas, the Department of Social Services has to meet
certain income criteria in order to provide services. In her
opinion, there is no duplication of services. .,
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Chairman Greer inquired as to what would happen to these
elderly adults if the Department of Aging did not exist? Would the
Department of Social Services then provide these services? '.
Director Crumpton reported the Department of Social Services
would provide some of these services; however, most counties have
some form of an Information and Referral Service on a limited
basis. Some personal care agencies wou+d also be able to provide
seJ::vices.
Discussion was held on the increase of persons being served in
the Home Delivered Meals Program. County Manager O'Neal reported
due to the. dramatic growth in the number of home delivered ,meals
al)d, transportation services rendered, this was ,the reason he
r~commended transferring the $15,000 allocated to the Food Bank to
the Department of Aging. It was felt that these funds would feed
more people and provide badly needed medical transportation
services to the older adults. Both programs have a list of persons
waiting to receive services. ' .
Chairman Greer reported he is opposed to transferring the
$15,000 from the Food Bank; however, he is most supportive of the
Home Delivered Meals Program. 'In his opinion, it is more important
to feed people than to transport people; therefore, he would like
to see more funds used for home delivered meals than for
transportation.
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RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
There are 1,200 volunteers worklng in the community, which is
an increase of 700 volunteers since 1990. It is felt that the new
Senior Center has created this growth. These volunteers are
working in 60 stations throughout the county and provide 10,000
hours of work each month. The major'programs'are as follows:
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MINUTES OF WORK SESSION WITH THE DEPARTMENT
OF AGING, MAY 12, 1994
PAGE 61
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Through the VITA Program,
volunteers assisted over 2,000 older adults with 1ncome tax
returns. Most of the persons were low income older adults, and by
providing this service, they did not have to pay a professional to
fill out tax returns.
SHIP (Senior Health Insurance program): Through this program,
trained volunteers assist older adults in filling out forms and
deciding on the types of insurance needed. This service is
provided on a one-to-one counseling basis, and the N. C. Insurance
Commission trains the volunteers.
Volunteers In the County Government Program: This is a new program
composed of approximately 20-25 volunteers working 15 hours a week
in the Emergency Management Department and the Environmental
Management Department. Through this program, volunteers are
working with the Emergency Management Director to develop a
preparedness plan specifically designed for taking care of the
elderly population during any type of disaster. Also, at WASTEC
volunteers are developing a safety plan.
Vice-Chairman Mathews inquired as to the number of volunteers
working in County Government?
Director Crumpton responded approximately 20-25 are working in
these two departments.
County Manager O'Neal reported
very carefully before going to work.
will continue to grow at a slow pace
services are carried out in a proper
the volunteers are screened
The program began slowly and
in order to be sure that all
manner.
SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES - DAYTIME
The number of seniors participating in daytime activities
monthly has grown to 4,700 participants. This 1S an average
increase of 41% per year. There are 74 different programs provided
each month. The areas of activities are Health Promotions,
Educational setting, and Social Activities. statewide recognition
has been received for the Health Fair held in October, and it is
felt national recognition will be received for this program. The
Health Fair was a community effort with participation by both
hospitals, non-profit health institutions, the Health Department,
and recreational groups. Under the Educational Setting, a computer
program will be offered to allow older adults to learn to use
computers and utilize the Senior Net Program.
In summary, since 1990 there has been a 215% increase in the
services provided to older adults with no increase in the number of
employees. To serve 7,390 persons compared to 3,450 in 1990 with
the same number of staff is becoming quite a problem. In order to
continue to provide these services and reach the persons in need of
services, the following new positions are needed:
AREA
In-Home Services
POSITIONS
-1 Program Assistant
1 Case Manager
1 Skills Bank Coordinator and
1 Volunteer in County
Government
1 Assistant to work with full-
time programmer
1 Office Assistant for reception
responsibilities
6 positions
ESTIMATED COST
$ 40,000
RSVP
35,000
Senior Center
$ 35,000
$110.000
TOTAL
Less Amount Currently Budgeteg
20,000
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ADDITIONAL FUNDS NEEDED
$ 90.000
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MINUTES OF WORK SESSION WITH THE DEPARTMENT
OF AGING, MAY 12, 1994
PAGE 62
out of the six positions requested, three temporary positions
will become full-time positions. The Commissioners were requested
to consider approval of these positions which are badly needed in
order to maintain the current level of services being,provided by
the Department of Aging.
commissioner sisson asked if the additional positions will
adequately staff the Senior Center for the next five years or will
these positions bring the Center up to its current needs?
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Director Crumpton reported the additional positions will
adequately staff the current needs in most areas and will allow for
some expansion.
DISCUSSION OF EXPANDED HOURS FOR THE SENIOR CENTER
Director Crumpton reported since the hours for night time
activities have been reduced, many calls have been received at the
Senior Center and by the County Commissioners. After moving into
the building, senior citizens were encouraged to use the facility
and as a result night programs were started. After the word began
to spread about the Center and its space, members of the general
public desired to use the facility for night meetings. At peak
loads, there would be in excess of 18 different groups using the
facility during one week. This created large numbers of 'people
moving in and out of the building.
After a review of the groups using the Senior Center at night,
it was found these groups needed a place to meet with a large
percentage of these individuals not being seniors. Based on the
safety of' the participants, the increased workload for
housekeeping, the lack of staff, and the security of the building,
the decision was made to reduce the number of hours the Senior
Center would be opened at night. In order to accommodate these
groups at night, a survey was prepared and mailed to these
organizations to see if they were willing to pay $15 per hour to
use the Senior Center at night. The results of the survey
indicated the groups did not want to pay a fee.
In order to accommodate groups at night, the following
positions will be needed:
1 Program Assistant
1 Clerical/Receptionist
$19,000 Annually
$16,000 Annually
Discussion was held on the need for the Board of County
Commissioners to determine if the facility should be used by
seniors, or if the use should be expanded to the general public.
Vice-Chairman Mathews commented on the fact that all persons
living in New Hanover County pay for the Senior Center and stated
when the bond referendum was approved by the voters, the purpose of
the new facility was for use by the seniors. He requested the
Commissioners to seriously consider the Mission 'Statement when
developing a policy for use of this facili ty. He suggested
directing staff to prepare some options to be presented to the
Board before making any type of' decision.
Further discussion was held on charging a fee if the facility
is to remain open at night. Deputy county Manager Atkinson stated,
in his opinion, if a fee is established and the organizations know
the facility is available for a certain rate, the groups will be
willing to pay a reasonable fee. At the present time, these groups
feel they have a choice, consequently, they have indicated they do
not wish to pay a fee.
Commissioner Sisson expressed concern for persons on fixed
incomes having to pay an additional fee and stated this could
prohibit them from using the building.
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H~NUTES OF WORK SESS~ON W~TH THE DEPARTMENT
OF AG~NG, MAY 12, 1994
PAGE 63
Director Crumpton reported when moving into the new facility,
it was the long range plan of staff to become well established with
day time programs and then move to night programs as an extension
o~ the types of programs offered during the day. Staff feels this
is the best direction for the Department of Aging.
After further discussion, Chairman Greer expressed
appreciation to Director Crumpton for an excellent presentation.
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ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greer adjourned the Work Session at 11:45 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
~if~
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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