Area Agency on Aging Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania Counties Volume VI, Issue 3
Advocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging
August - October 2011
Community Resource Connections for Aging and Disabilities: Improved Access to Long-Term Services and Support
T
he Land-of-Sky Community Resource Connections (CRC) Leadership Team is proud to announce the launching of the Land-of Sky CRC for all people with disabilities, elders and family members seeking information and assistance about long-term services and support in the community. The Land-of-Sky CRC is part of a federal and state initiative to reduce the confusion that many have experienced in trying to find services, often resulting in making multiple telephone calls before finding help. Through formal agreements made with key aging and disability partners throughout Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties, the Land-of-Sky CRC offers a streamlined approach to accessing services. Core functions of the CRC include: 1. Information and Assistance 2. Options Counseling 3. Streamlined Access to services and public funding 4. Transitions partnerships with hospitals and nursing facilities 5. Quality assurance and evaluation How do people contact the CRC? There is more than one way to access the system. If someone does not know where to start, a call to United Way’s 2-1-1 system will result in an appropriate, personalized transfer to the best agency for the caller. Callers may also contact their local agency directly. Key organizations in the collaborative include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County; Council on Aging for Henderson County; Madison County Community Services; Transylvania County DSS; Western Highlands ACCESS; and Disability Partners. For more information visit www.CRClandofsky.org.
CRC Leadership Team
Front L-R: Faith Ashe, Madison County Community Services; Nancy Smith-Hunnicutt, Mission Hospitals; Ruth Haines, Consumer, Disabilities Advocate; Bart Floyd, Disability Partners Middle L-R: Rachael Nygaard, United Way’s 2-1-1 of WNC; Jerry Brewton, Disability Partners; Carol McLimans, Land-of-Sky AAA; Donna Case, Council on Aging of Buncombe County; Shanaia Powell, CRC Navigator at Transylvania County DSS; Wendy Marsh, Council on Aging of Buncombe County; Wendy Sause, Community Care of Western North Carolina; Christina Giles, Land-of-Sky Regional Council Back L-R: Linda Kendall Fields, Land-of-Sky CRC Coordinator; Bob Tomasulo, Consumer, Elder Advocate; Pat Hilgendorf, Consumer, Elder/ Family Advocate; Cathie Beatty, Buncombe County DSS; Caron McKay, Council on Aging for Henderson County; Barbara Hinshaw, Land-of-Sky AAA Ombudsman; Steve Michaels, Western Highlands LME
A Celebration of Life in memory of Joseph T. (Joe) Connolly will be held on Tuesday, August 30 from 10 – 11:30 am at the NC Arboretum. Joe served as a devoted community leader in his exemplary roles as Director of the Land of Sky Regional Council ‘s Area Agency on Aging and formerly as director of the WNC Alzheimer’s association, the WNC Aids Project, as well as board member for various community agencies. Informally, Joe served as a friend, ally and mentor to many. Joe completed his journey with brain cancer on May 31, 2011. Join us now as we honor, celebrate and remember Joe Connolly with the backdrop of trees at the NC Arboretum. If you wish to share short memories, stories or sentiments about Joe please contact Christina Giles at christina@landofsky.org.
Website: www.landofsky.org/aging
Phone: 828-251-6622
Family Caregiver Support Program Caregiver Respite and Case Assistance Services
L
and-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program has awarded $94,000 in funding to provide respite services and case assistance to caregivers of older persons who need help with activities of daily living or have significant memory loss. This funding is provided by the US Administration on Aging and the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services. Caregiver Respite All Counties Buncombe County Henderson County Madison County Transylvania County
Project C.A.R.E. LOSRC’s Senior Companion Program Council on Aging of Buncombe County Pardee Pavilion Madison County Department of Community Services Transylvania Community Hospital Home and Community Care / KOALA
Caregiver Case Assistance Buncombe County Council on Aging of Buncombe County Henderson County Council on Aging for Henderson County
Don’t Miss Fun Friday, November 4, 2011
T
he Family Caregiver Support Program is partnering with others who serve caregivers to offer them a day filled with fun and frivolity. November is recognized as National Family Caregiver Month and 2011 has been designated as the Year of the Family Caregiver by the U.S. Administration on Aging. Fun Friday will be the kick-off event in celebration and recognition of family caregivers and their important role in our nation’s long-term care system. Caregiving can lead to physical, social and emotional distress, particularly for those who provide care for a prolonged time. One way caregivers can find relief is through humor and laughter therapy is gaining more recognition for its therapeutic value. We are planning a day filled with fun and laughter where caregivers will have the opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy themselves. For information about this event, contact our Family Caregiver Specialist at 251-6622.
August - October 2011
$20,000 $10,000 $16,000 $11,000 $10,000 $18,000 $ 5,000 $ 4,000
Contact Carol McLimans, Family Caregiver Specialist, for more information about the Family Caregiver Support Program at 251-6622.
Caregiver Needs Assessment
B
y partnering with home care agencies, adult day service providers, caregiver support groups, county councils on aging and other caregiver and aging service providers, we distributed over 300 surveys to family caregivers. We wanted to know what services they use, what services they need that are not available, how caregiving has affected them physically, emotionally and socially, and what was positive about their caregiving experience. Over 100 were returned and we are now compiling this information. We asked family caregivers to tell us what they need and they did. It was heartwarming and sometimes heart wrenching to read their comments. We will share what we learned collectively while ensuring confidentiality. We will use this information as we continue to develop programs and services to support family caregivers. As Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Specialist, I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of the partners who distributed and collected surveys and all of the caregivers who took the time to respond.
“Thank you!” Carol McLimans, Family Caregiver Specialist
Area Agency on Aging
Page 2
Become a Facebook Fan! “Like” Land-of-Sky Regional Council to get updates on local events, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and more!
Save the Date! Land-of-Sky Regional’s Council’s 2011 Annual Celebration
“Survivor - Western North Carolina” Date: October 4, 2011 Time: 6 pm - 9 pm Location: Asheville Ballroom and Dance Centre
The “Journey” Continues
T
he “Journey” - Confronting the Challenges of Memory Loss is offered free of charge for anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and related causes of memory loss. Caregivers (both professional and non-professional), persons newly diagnosed with memory loss illnesses, and the general public concerned about their own memories or who suspect that a friend or loved one may have memory challenges will benefit from attending these events. The “Journey” programs are held at Biltmore United Methodist Church (376 Hendersonville Road in Asheville) on the third Thursday of each month from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. There is a different program and speaker each month and a variety of topics are covered. The first program was held on March 17. The remaining programs are described below. August 18: “Changes? I Don’t Like Changes!” The journey with memory loss illnesses is one of constant changes and times of transition. Helpful hints will be offered to help guide the process of making decisions related to home safety, community services, possible long-term care placement, legal and financial matters, and so forth. September 21: “How Do I Get What I Need When I Am Not Sure What I Need?” The focus will be on the various community resources available in the area and some suggestions as to the best ways to access those resources as needed. For more information, please visit www.alz.org/northcarolina or call the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter at 230-3885 or the Family Caregiver Support Program at 251-7439.
August - October 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Page 3
Calendar of Events August
5 8 8
WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1 pm Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, Mt. Pisgah Academy, see page 8 Matter of Balance Workshop begins, Transylvania Regional Hospital, see page 6
9
Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
10
CRC Leadership Team Meeting, LOSRC, 10:30 am - 12 pm
11
“Activities” CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, For more information contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622
12
LOSRC Picnic, Land-of-Sky Office Closing at Noon
15-16 Living Healthy with Diabetes Leader Training, LOSRC, see page 8 8
17
Living Healthy with Diabetes Workshop begins, CarePartners, see page 8
18-19, 22-23
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Leader Training, LOSRC, see page 8
18
The Journey - “Changes? I Don’t Like Changes!”, Biltmore United Methodist Church, see page 3
31
Green House Culture Change Workshop, LOSRC, 10 am - 12 pm
September 5
Labor Day, Land-of-Sky Office Closed
7
“Infection Control” CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, For more information contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622
9
Building Better Balance Screener Training, UNCA Sherrill Center, see page 6
14
CRC Leadership Team Meeting, LOSRC, 10:30 am - 12 pm
14
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, Etowah United Methodist Church, see page 8
20
Building Better Balance Screener Training, Leila Patterson Center, see page 6
20, 22 Ombudsman Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Orientation, see page 11 21
The Journey - “How do I get what I need when I am not sure what I need?”, see page 3
27
Building Better Balance Screener Training, LOSRC, see page 6
Active Aging Week 2011 • September 25 - October 1 (see page 7 for more details) 25 Intergenerational 5K Walk Run sponsored by Mt. Pisgah Seventh Day Adventist Church, UNC Asheville Campus 26-30 Henderson County Week of Walks 26 LOSRC Wellness Expo at Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville 27 Active Living with Diabetes Day at Silvermont Opportunity Center, Asheville 28 YMCA America on the Move Pep Rallies at the Asheville, Woodfin or Reuter Y 29 Project EMMA (Eat Better, Move More, Aging Well) at YWCA of Asheville 29 Celebrating Life! Senior Health Fair, Marshall 29 Taste of Therapies at Silvermont Opportunity Center, Brevard 30 Balance of Life Day at CarePartners Oct 1 Healthy Living Day at the NC Center for Creative Retirement
October 3
Building Better Balance Screener Training, Southeastern Commission, see page 6
3
Matter of Balance Workshop begins, Marshall Library, see page 6
4
LOSRC Annual Celebration, Asheville Ballroom and Dance Centre, see page 3
7
“Medications” CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, For more information contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622
12
CRC Leadership Team Meeting, LOSRC, 10:30 am - 12 pm
13
Aging Advisory Council Meeting, LOSRC, 9:30 - 11 am
28
Fraud, Scam & Exploitation Meeting, LOSRC, 10 - 11:30 am
August - October 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Page 4
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
A
s we begin the new grant year 2011-12, we face many challenges and opportunities. This year we came face-toface with the recession economy. Last year, we had a windfall from the American Restoration and Revitalization Act (ARRA), and we were able to enroll 32 people in our program, provide training for them, and help them with job searches. The increase in enrollees allowed us to increase our number of Host Agencies as well. Our grant for the year was $325,000. Well, this year we are faced with a reduction in the grant to $194,000, and a reduction of enrollees to 20. So we are tightening up our program, searching for people who are as ready as possible to find unsubsidized employment and those who are in great need, and focusing on helping those still in the program to sharpen their job searches and be certain they have the training they need. We have had some good luck to begin this grant year. Two participants in Buncombe County were hired by their Host Agencies. Zane Seeley was hired by ABCCM The Vets Quarters, and Edwin O’Brien was hired by Liberty Corner Enterprises. Congratulations to our successful participants! Brenda’s and my hours have been somewhat reduced, so we may not be quite as available as we were last year. She, of course, is working full time at LOSRC as a Project Assistant to the Area Agency on Aging and the Volunteer Department, as well as some time for SCSEP. I will be working four days a week for five hours a day. I will always be in on Tuesday - Thursday, and Monday and Friday will be alternate days off; so if I’m not in on Monday, I’ll be in on Friday, and vice versa usually. That gives you an idea of the shortened staff time we will be giving to SCSEP Title V this year. As always, we appreciate your letting us know of any new companies starting up in Region B, or long established companies, so that we can contact them about our program. The more we know about unsubsidized employment contacts, the better we can serve our Participants in their journey to work success. Please keep us in mind and keep in touch. To contact either Brenda Delacruz (Assistant Job Developer) or Jennifer Atkinson (Coordinator and Job Developer) call us at 251-6622 or email us at brenda@landofsky.org or jatkin@ landofsky.org.
Margaret Stanley, Aging Program Specialist, will be leaving us.
M
argaret has been employed at the Landof-Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging for nearly six years and has worked with all of the aging services providers of county contracted services for older adults. These services are taxpayer funded through the federal Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) and Buncombe County funding. She has done an outstanding job as our contracts expert and aging service program monitor. Her ability to provide technical assistance and encouragement to providers has strengthened our relationships with them and her attention to detail has provided assurance that providers receive documented advice. The variety of HCCBG service providers include adult day services, nutrition, information and assistance, care management services, transportation, legal assistance, inhome aide services, senior companion, and housing and home improvement. Services that only receive Buncombe County funds include financial education and counseling, case management, and services for group respite. Her previous background of environmental planning, transit planning, managing a home delivered meals program, and providing assistance and contracted staff in a federal contracts office gave her an appreciation for the work at hand. She said local service providers made her job an easy one. They have consistently met the service goals by keeping the client’s welfare first and foremost by developing creative responses to meet the challenges of these tough financial times. Margaret said she has been so inspired by the region’s service providers becoming increasingly smarter managers of their resources, their approach to providing services, and their staff. Margaret’s genuine concern for others is always apparent. She always approaches them with a helping hand. After September first, she plans to learn as much as she can from two family members who are in their nineties, travel a bit and enjoy the company of her husband. She said she will happily remember the patience, encouragement and professionalism of the staff at the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and the providers of older adult services in the region. We will miss you Margaret! ~AAA Staff
August - October 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Page 5
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Expand your Experience during Active Aging Week Enjoy FREE life enhancing activities during Active Aging Week, September 25 – October 1
A
mong the advantages to growing older is the ability to pursue that which is of greatest importance. As we age it becomes increasingly clear that good health is of immense value. Older adults, their families, and friends can walk along the many paths to meaningful activity and healthy living during Active Aging Week 2011, which is being held Sunday, September 25 through Saturday, October 1. Active Aging Week, initiated by the International Council on Active Aging®, is designed to spread a universal message: people can live as fully as possible throughout the life span. A national observance, Active Aging Week events are fun, educational and a great way to test drive new experiences. If you want to age healthfully, you live in the right geographical region! Western North Carolina embraces Active Living and Healthy Aging. This is evident through a network of partnerships creating Active Aging Week 2011. This year, Land-ofSky Regional Council is partnering with regional agencies, including the Council on Aging of Buncombe County and Project EMMA, YMCA of Western North Carolina and their America on the Move initiative, YWCA of Asheville, Park Ridge Health, CarePartners Health Services, Mission Hospitals, Appalachian Be Active Partnership, Pisgah Valley Retirement Community, YMCA of Hendersonville, Hendersonville Parks and Recreation, Carolina Village Retirement Community, Asheville Movement Center, Western Carolina Community Action, Madison County Health Department, and Madison County Health Consortium. Wow! That is a lot of organizations committed to healthful living! “Together, we are creating a new standard of aging in optimal health” says Rebecca Chaplin, Aging Program Specialist at the Area Agency on Aging. “In order to do this, we must all continue to expand our experience of what it means to live and age well. If we keep doing the same things – we will find ourselves with the same results. It is time to create new results.” This year will include daily events in Buncombe County, such as a 5K run/walk, annual Wellness Expo at Biltmore Square Mall, YMCA America on the Move Mid-Week Pep Rallies, Project EMMA at the YWCA, Balance for Life Day at CarePartners, Healthy Living Day at the NC Center for Creative Retirement and more. Madison County residents can enjoy a week of free opportunities for health and access new opportunities for healthy living at the Senior Health Fair on Thursday, September 29th. Residents of Henderson County can improve health, meet neighbors and enjoy the wonderful scenery during a week of walks. Residents of Transylvania County will have an opportunity to expand their experience of health care with complementary and alternative medicine at the Taste of Therapies Health Fair at the Silvermont Opportunity Center. Learn more about the opportunities to expand your experience during Active Aging Week at www.activeagingweekwnc.org or contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438 or rebecca@landofsky.org.
Fall Prevention Matter of Balance Workshops
Building Better Balance Screener Trainings
These workshops can help reduce the fear of Increase your fall prevention IQ, learn to identify those at falling and increase the activity levels in older increased risk for a fall, commit to at least one 3-hr Community adults who have concerns about falling. Screening, and CEUs provided. Register w/ Rebecca at 251-7438. Transylvania Regional Hospital, Hospital Drive, Brevard Mons & Weds, 5:30 - 7:30 pm August 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31 Register w/ Robert Anderson at 884-2980 or randerson@trhospital.org Marshall Library, N Main Street, Marshall Mons & Weds, 1 - 3 pm October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 & 26 Register w/ Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438
August - October 2011
UNCA Sherrill Center, One University Heights, Asheville September 9 from 9 am - 12 noon Leila Patterson Center, 1111 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher September 20 from 9 am - 12 noon Land-of-Sky Regional Council, 339 New Leicster Hwy, Asheville September 27 from 9 am - 12 noon Southeastern Commission, 125 Bonnie Lane, Sylva October 3 from 9 am - 12 noon
Area Agency on Aging
Page 6
Active Aging Week - “Expand Your Experience” September 25 - October 1
Join the FUN and FREE array of activities during this special week.
SUNDAY 9/25
MONDAY 9/26
TUESDAY 9/27
Blue Ridge Adventist Let’s Move Day Intergenerational 5K Walk / Run UNC Asheville campus Sherrill Center 1:30 pm Registration, 2 pm Run
5th Annual Wellness Expo Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville 10 am - 2 pm
Active Living with Diabetes Senior Opportunity Center Asheville 1 - 4 pm
All ages are welcome. Bring your children and grandchildren!
Free health screenings, samples, healthy snacks, exercise demonstrations and more!
Learn about Nutrition, Exercise, Medications and Healthy Feet.
For more information contact David White, Coordinator at 667-3711. For information on preparing for a 5K contact: woodfincoach@ymcawnc.org
For more information contact LeeAnne Tucker, Event Coordinator at 251-6622 or leeanne@landofsky.org
Sponsored by Mission Hospital’s Diabetes and Health Education Center
WEDNESDAY 9/28
THURSDAY 9/29
THURSDAY 9/29
YMCA Pep Rallies 11 am - 2 pm Choose your Y: Asheville, Woodfin or Reuter
Project EMMA Day (Eat better, Move More, Age well) YWCA of Asheville 10 am - 2 pm
Celebrating Life! Senior Health Fair Madison County Cooperative Extension, Marshall 9 am - 1 pm
Group Exercise Lunch and Nutrition Chat Wellness Activities
Light Lunch & Door Prizes! Chair exercises, local food/tailgate market, cooking demonstrations, wellness screenings, and more!
Flu vaccinations (Medicare or $25), free health screenings, , Tai Chi demonstration, free healthy refreshments and lunch!
For more information contact Cyndy Wallhausser at 252-7995
For more information contact Deana Stephens or Jodi Brazil at 649-3531
THURSDAY 9/29
FRIDAY 9/30
SATURDAY 10/1
Taste of Therapies Silvermont Opportunity Center, Brevard 9:30 am - 12 noon
Balance for Life Day CarePartners, Asheville 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Healthy Living Day 2011 Reuter Center, UNC Asheville campus 8:30 am - 2 pm
Educational talks, clinics, balance screenings and counseling, free brown bag lunch for registered participants.
Keynote address “Predictors of Successful Aging”, activities and classes, lunch available for purchase, and Park Ridge Wellness on Wheels.
Register required, contact Laura Chase at 274-9567 ext. 8379 or lchase@ carepartners.org
For more information contact 251-6140 or ncccr@unca.edu
For more information contact Tina Weaver at 210-9622 ext. 122 or tweaver@ymcawnc.org
Try samples of complementary and alternative therapies such as reflexology, chair massage, brain integration, healing touch, cranial sacral therapy and more! For more information call 884-3166
MONDAY 9/26 - FRIDAY 9/30 Week of Walks in Henderson County Monday, 4:30 pm - Sandburg Home Walk Wednesday, 10 am - 3 pm - Carolina Village Wellness Sessions Tuesday, 9 am - Triple Neighborhood Walk Thursday, 10 am - Park Ridge Health Presentation and Walk Tuesday, 5 pm - Jackson Park to Town Walk Friday, 9 am - The YMCA Walk Wednesday, 9 am - Edneyville Community Center For more details contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438
August - October 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Page 7
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition or Diabetes Living Healthy is a six-week workshop for people living with ongoing health problems to help improve their health. The series of workshops cost $30. To register for the workshops or to become a leader contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438. Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Mt. Pisgah Academy Seventh Day Adventist Church 75 Academy Drive, Chandler Mons, August 8 - September 12, 1 - 3:30 pm
Living Healthy Leader Training Land-of-Sky Regional Council 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville August 18, 19, 22 &23 9 am - 4 pm each day Living Healthy w/ Diabetes Leader Training
Etowah United Methodist Church 110 Brickyard Road, Etowah Weds, September 14 - October 19, 9:30 am - 12 noon
*Pre-requisite: Must already be trained as a Living Healthy Leader
Land-of-Sky Regional Council 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville September 15 & 16 9 am - 4 pm each day
Living Healthy with Diabetes CarePartners Health Services, Conference Room B 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville Weds, August 17 - September 21, 4 - 6:30 pm
T
Living Healthy Leader Trainings
2011 Legislative Summary
he 2011 session of the North Carolina General Assembly adjourned on June 18 after running for 87 days. During that time, over 1700 bills were introduced and legislators struggled to develop a budget that addressed a 2.5 billion deficit. The 19.7 billion budget finally approved by the legislature did not include any increases in revenue and included cuts to every agency of state government. The budget approved was almost $1 billion less than the budget for 2010. Due to the budget shortfall facing the state, aging advocates focused on preserving funding for existing programs and services. Fortunately, most aging programs and services were able to maintain the same level of funding as last year. There were no cuts to funding for senior centers or for the state adult day care fund. Below are some highlights from the 2011 session; Home and Community Care Block Grant – Funding for the Volunteer Program Development service in the amount of $200,000 was eliminated. Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) – The $500,000 sought by aging advocacy groups for this program which provides respite care, support, education, and training to caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias was not approved. Adult Protective Services – The budget cuts $2 million in state funds, replacing some of this loss with federal funds from the SSBG (Social Services Block Grant). The actual reduction in funding for adult protective services is $808,075. Housing Trust Fund – Reduced by $2.12 million (22%). This is North Carolina’s only state funded and state designated resource for financing affordable housing. Medicaid Waiver for Assisted Living – Authorizes the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, to develop and implement a home and community-based services program under the Medicaid State Plan 1915(i) authority in order to continue Medicaid funding of personal care services to individuals living in adult care homes.
August - October 2011
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program and Crisis Intervention Program (LIEAP/CIP) – The LIEAP Plan for the state shall focus the annual energy assistance payments on the elderly population age 60 and above and disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services. Home Care Agency Licensure Moratorium – For three years beginning July 1, 2011, NC Department of Health and Human Services shall not issue any licenses for home care agencies that intend to offer home care services, unless access to care becomes an issue in any area of the state. Independent Living Program – Funding for this program which serves older and disabled adults is reduced by $1.77 million. Community Care of NC (CCNC) – Funding for this Medicaid care management program is reduced by $90 million per year. Reductions are to be achieved by improved coordination of Medicaid health care providers. If savings are not achieved, provider reimbursement rates may be reduced or the level or duration of optional Medicaid services may be reduced. This includes such critical services as dental care, physical therapy, optical, durable medical equipment and more. NC Care Line – Funding and 11 positions for this statewide health and human services information and referral program were eliminated.
Area Agency on Aging
Page 8
Ombudsman Overview An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf of, nursing and adult care home residents. They work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care.
Aston Park Health Care Center Receives CAC Quality of Life Grant
T
he Buncombe County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is pleased to announce Aston Park as the winner of the first ever Quality of Life Grant. The home intends to use the CAC Grant to provide an outreach outlet for room-bound residents and offer them a way to exercise and stimulate their minds with a new “Sensory Enrichment Cart”. The home has a new activity wing that is under construction. Members of administration recognized there will be some short-term rehab patients and long-term residents that due to physical limitations or motivation may not be able to take advantage of the facilities to the fullest, but will find enrichment in their day-to-day activities by utilizing what this equipment will offer. This truly meets the criteria of increasing the Quality of Life for residents as our grant proposal requested. Grant application efforts were led by Activities Director Loretta Faircloth and Administrator Marsha Kaufman and awards were determined by a CAC subcommittee. Congratulations and best wishes to Aston Park for success in this endeavor! July 14, 2011 Top L-R: Ben Wax, BC NH CAC member; Marsha Kaufman, Aston Park Administrator; and Loretta Faircloth, Aston Park Activities Director Bottom: Loretta Faircloth beside the “Sensory Enrichment Cart”
To: Buncombe County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee & Buncombe County Commissioners I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Buncombe County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee and the Buncombe County Commissioners for the $500 Quality of Life Grant that was extended to Aston Park Health Care Center. Our Activities’ Department is so excited with the new Sensory Enrichment Cart that was purchased with your help. They can now provide visual, auditory, aroma therapy and physical and /or tactile stimulation activities to our residents who may not be able to participate in the other activities being offered. Again, we appreciate your interest in the local nursing homes and willingness to contribute to the welfare of our residents. Sincerely, Marsha W. Kaufman, CNHA Executive Director
The 2011 Long-Term Care Housing Directory for Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties is now available!! The new directory is available at Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s office. Please call us at 251-6622 or come by to pick up a copy. The directory is also available online at www. landofsky.org and www.CRClandofsky.org. We will begin updating this directory biannually in 2012. For facility updates, please contact Christina Giles at 251-6622, ext 110 or christina@landofsky.org.
August - October 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Page 9
Validation Therapy Training has come to Asheville!
V
alidation therapy was developed by Naomi Feil for working with older adults who have dementia. It is a method of communicating with and helping disoriented people. It is a practical way of working that helps reduce stress, enhance dignity and increase happiness for the person with dementia and the caregiver. The theory behind validation therapy is the belief that people with dementia do and say things for a reason. Validating their words and actions is a way of encouraging them to keep communication open with the rest of the world. Validation therapy encourages persons with dementia to forge a trust with their caregivers as a means of encouraging communication between the two. By lending an understanding ear to someone with dementia to verbalize their frustrations, worries and fears, the negative emotions can diminish. This can contribute to better cognitive functioning and behavior. Validation therapy is built on caregivers’ empathetic attitude and ability to provide frequent positive reinforcement. The goal is to step into the shoes of the one disoriented and to try to see it through their eyes. The caregiver must go to the demented person’s world rather that attempt to bring him to yours. A new Validation Therapy Training Center in Asheville os providing the first level of Validation Therapy training to over twenty people. If you have questions about Validation Therapy training, please contact Terry Collins at 251-6622.
NC Adult Care Home Changes
R
esidents of NC Adult Care Homes are facing many new challenges in 2012. The NC General Assembly as well as aging and disability advocacy groups have been focusing on conditions and operating practices within these homes. Here is a summary of some of the issues that have been identified: * Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) notified the State of NC in 2004 that they were out of compliance with federal law pertaining to the state Medicaid Personal Care Services Program. The concern centered on the comparability between the adult care home setting and personal care services in the community such as rates, rate setting methodologies, allowable hours of service, etc. While the state is in the process of addressing this, if they have not satisfied CMS by March 1, 2012 all the personal care funds coming to NC will be stopped, affecting 50,000 elderly and disabled citizens in NC. Losing the Medicaid contribution to residents’ housing would cost about $9 million a year. The state predicts beds won’t be available for at least half of those to be discharged from adult care homes. *CMS has also questioned the state’s compliance with the Institution of Mental Diseases exclusion (IMD) and that some homes provide housing primarily for residents with a primary diagnosis of mental illness. The law, which applies to centers that house more than 16 people, will affect about 40 facilities in North Carolina that house about 1,200 residents. If a home is determined to be an IMD, the residents will no longer be eligible for Medicaid reimbursements for care. Federal Medicaid officials have given North Carolina two months to gauge the depth of the problem. Mental health officials are working to lessen the consequences of the change by finding appropriate housing for some residents and lowering the number of residents at other facilities below the federal threshold. *HB677 is an act to provide adult care homes with greater flexibility in the transfer and discharge of residents. The changes in law weaken the rights of adult care home residents, providing less assurance that a safe and appropriate destination will be secured. Under current state policy, the facility is required to include the name and address of the location to which the resident is being transferred or discharged. The new law requires a discharge team consisting of DSS and Local Management Entity workers to convene and chose a location. A Transfer/Discharge Notice will no longer be invalidated by the Hearing Office if the notice does not include an appropriate discharge destination. The state is busy developing plans to address these concerns in hopes of satisfying the federal compliance rules as well as providing care for the many vulnerable adults living in NC’s adult care homes. However, some adult care home providers are concerned that they will have to close if solutions to these complex problems do not come quickly.
August - October 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Page 10
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Welcome New CAC Members
CAC Meeting Calendar
Welcome: Sabrina Fricks to the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CAC Dixie Barkdoll to the Buncombe County Nursing Home CAC Janice Early, Philip Anderson and Patricia Daye to the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC Suzy Biecker to the Transylvania County ACH/NH CAC Thanks and Farwell to: Georgia Shannon from the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CAC Linda Dunlop and Bill Spellman from the Buncombe County Nursing Home CAC Joyce Mazzochi and Harold Thorne from the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC Dr. Joe Morgan and Penny Buckner from the Madison County ACH/NH CAC You will be missed! Thank you for your services!
New members from Henderson County and Buncombe County during the June CAC Orientation.
Buncombe County ACH: Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct 21 Buncombe County NH: Sept 15 Henderson County ACH/NH: Aug 10, Sept 14, Oct 12 Madison County ACH/NH: Oct 5 Transylvania County ACH/NH: Oct 11
CAC Orientation will be held on August 20 & 22 at Land-of-Sky Regional Council from 9 am - 1 pm. *If you are interested in becoming a Community Advisory Committee member, call your county Ombudsman at 251-6622.
Seniors Hit Hard by Housing Scams, Over $16 Million in Losses Since 2010
O
lder Americans are the hardest hit by foreclosure rescue scams, in what amounts to a total of more than $40 million in losses from fees paid to fraudulent and deceptive “rescuers,” reports an issue brief from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Scams targeting the population of those who are ages 51 and older account for 41% of that total, amounting to more than $16.5 million as of July 2011. Generated from a national Loan Modification Scam Database established in February 2010 by the Lawyers’ Committee, the data serves as a repository for complaints from foreclosure rescue scam victims. “The launch of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which took place Thursday July 21, is a step in the right direction,” the Lawyers’ Committee said this week. “We are particularly encouraged to see that one of the CFPB’s specific initiatives includes its Office of Older Americans, set to begin operations early next year,” the Lawyers’ Committee said in a statement. “The Lawyers’ Committee is proud of our recent successes in advocating for consumers’ rights, and looks forward to the increased transparency that the CFPB’s regulatory and information-sharing capabilities will provide.” The CFPB is currently building its Office of Older Americans, aimed to connect seniors with what they need to guide themselves through their financial lives. The office will be up and running under the Dodd-Frank Act by January 21, 2012. “We are building it right alongside the rest of the consumer bureau, and in the coming weeks and months you’ll hear more from us about financial issues for seniors,” the agency notes on its website. Reprinted from www.seniorhousingnews.com
August - October 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Page 11
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ASEHVILLE, NC PERMIT #367
339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140 Asheville, NC 28806 Phone: 828.251.6622 Fax: 828.251.6353 Website: www.landofsky.org/aaa
We would like to hear what you think about the Area Agency on Aging Newsletter. Also, if you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please notify Christina at 828.251.6622. Please recycle this newsletter.
Area Agency on Aging Advocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging
August 2011 Volume VI / Issue 3
Area Agency on Aging Staff
VISION
Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman Brenda DelaCruz - Assistant Job Developer - SCSEP, AAA Project Assistant Carol McLimans - Interim Area Agency on Aging Director, Family Caregiver
Resource Specialist
Christina Giles - AAA Project Assistant, Newsletter Layout & Design Jennifer Atkinson - Senior Community Service Employment Program
Coordinator (SCSEP)
Lee Ann Smith - Regional Ombudsman Linda Kendall Fields - Community Resource Connections Coordinator
The Area Agency on Aging is a leader and catalyst in helping our four-county Region (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania) develop a comprehensive system of programs and opportunities that provide older adults the information and support needed to age optimally in the setting of their choice.
Margaret Stanley - Aging Specialist - Contracts Pat Hilgendorf - Caregiver Program Special Projects Coordinator Rebecca Chaplin - Aging Specialist - Programs Terry Collins - Regional Ombudsman
Please share this newsletter with residents, staff, family members, volunteers and others interested in our community.