HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA Minutes 5-4-21Oshkosh Seniors Center
200 N. Campbell Rd.
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 232-5300 (920) 232-5307 FAX
OSHKOSH COMMITTEE ON AGING (COA) MINUTES
May 4, 2021
A.) Ms. Richey called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
B.) PRESENT: Sue Ashton; Julie Kiefer; Ron Duerkop; Judy Richey; Lindsay Temple;
Heidi Basford-Kerkhof; Julie Davids; Mike Ford
EXCUSED: Julie Maslowski
ABSENT:
STAFF: Jean Wollerman, Senior Services Manager; Bobbie Luft, Activities
Coordinator; Anne Schaefer, Marketing Fund Development Coordinator
C.) CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: None
D.) PUBLIC COMMENT ONAGENDA ITEMS: None
E.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 6, 2021 minutes approved as written: Mr.
Duerkop moved to approve the minutes as written; Mrs. Kiefer seconded; ALL IN
FAVOR, Motion carried (8) to accept the minutes as written.
F.) PRESENTATION:
a. Mark Colton; Business Manager, Cooperative Response Center Inc., -Personal
Response Systems: Mr. Colton is based out of Austin, MN and explained the
company is an alarm monitoring center. He stated that the average use for a
customer to have a monitoring system was 34 months. Those that have private
pay stay with the subscription longer than those that receive a voucher from
Medicaid. Mr. Colton explained the possible ways to receive service; land line
is the most popular and most reliable; cellular is popular and mobile devices.
The mobile devices have three companies as distributers and two of the three
will not allow 3rd party monitoring, another problem with devices are
remembering to charge the device, wearing them on the neck or wrist are most
reliable. The GPS uses satellite to estimate location. He explained the success
three top reasons for personal response systems are; available 24 hours a day
365 day a year; provides independence for user and control centers are very
understanding with accidental alarms. He stated the cost of devices vary,
could be $22 to $60 per month.
Mrs. Ashton questioned if there was an added cost to have the fall detection
and if it was accurate or not. Mr. Colton replied the fall detection was 75% to
80% effective and there would be an additional cost.
Mr. Duerkop questioned if there were systems to alert if a door opened or a
person left the home. Mr. Colten replied they do offer that, he stated they have
many senior communities that have a memory care wing and are monitored.
He explained everyone is issued a shoe with a transmitter in the heel. Once the
end user gets close to the door, the door will lock. He stated there is a
geographical monitoring and a customer can enable a geo zone, once the
person leaves that zone, both the emergency contact and alarm company are
notified. He explained they can only be tracked so far. The device can be
pinged as long as there is battery power and network.
Mrs. Ashton questioned if Medicaid paid for a device. Mr. Colton replied
yes, different for each state. He stated Wisconsin has vouchers and as long as
there is a voucher available a person could receive a device. Mrs. Ashton
questioned if there is a way for an emergency response team to get in without
breaking the door down. Mr. Colton replied information from the end user
would be provided as to a hidden key or lock box placement, then the alarm
center will forward that information.
Mr. Duerkop questioned the range for monitoring. Mr. Colton replied, the
range for a landline or cellular device for home, is 400 to 450 feet, metal roofs
and location of device can cause issues of performance for the transmitter.
Ms. Richey stated it is hard to get people to wear their device. Mr. Colton
agreed, it usually takes a fall or for a neighbor that had to use theirs and the
end user sees how it help the neighbor, then they usually will begin wearing it.
Mrs. Ceman questioned if there was a triage or if emergency responders are
contacted immediately. Mr. Colton replied each end user has their own way to
make contact, and the alarm service will reconnect with end user to check in on
them.
Mrs. Ashton question how one can connect to receive service. Mr. Colton
replied they work with alarm dealers, they do not work directly with the public
or consumers.
G.) OLD BUSINESS: NONE
H.) NEW BUSINESS:
a. Discuss and decide to continue meeting virtually or in person starting June 1,
2021-By a show of hands it was unanimous; the Committee On Aging will
begin meeting in person at City Hall as of June 1, 2021.
b. Update and discussion of Governor’s Task Force- Mr. Duerkop shared the
budget proposal that includes investment into long-term care infrastructure:
increase to nursing home rates; strengthening the caregiving workforce and
supporting family caregivers. (see Attachment A- Governor’s Budget Proposal)
c. Information and discussion of (WAAN) Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network’s
Position on the Governor’s budget proposals related to family caregiver
support- Mr. Duerkop shared the proposals related to Family Caregiver
Support. (See Attachment B-Budget Proposals Related to Family Caregiver
Support)
I.) OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Ms. Richey thanked Mr. Duerkop and Mrs. Ashton for their time served as
committee members. She stated there are two committee member positions
available as well as two alternate positions. She explained if interested in being
a committee member, visit the City website; https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/
click on government and then boards and commissions.
J.) ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Duerkop moved to adjourn at 8:48 am, Mrs. Kiefer seconded,
ALL IN FAVOR, Motion carried (6) to adjourn at 8:48 am.
NEXT MEETING:
June 1, 2021-Dementia Crisis Response Efforts, Bryn Ceman, ADRC
8 am City Hall
Respectfully Submitted,
Bobbie Luft
Activities Coordinator, Senior Services