HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA Min 4-3-18 Oshkosh Seniors Center
ii ' 200 N.Campbell Rd.
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920)232-5300 (920)232-5307 FAX
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OSHKOSH COMMITTEE ON AGING (COA) MINUTES
April 3, 2018
A.)Ms. Richey called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
B.) PRESENT: Lurton Blassingame, Claude Benedict, Judy Richey, Julie Maslowski, Xandy
Kloeckl, Peggy Bellin, Ron Duerkop
STAFF: Jean Wollerman, Senior Services Manager, Ray Maurer, Director of Parks
EXCUSED: Deb Allison-Aasby
ABSENT:
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 6, 2018 minutes, Mr. Duerkop stated he was at the March meeting and should be
added to the present list. Mr. Blassingame moved to accept the minutes with the changed
that Mr. Duerkop was at the March meeting, Mrs. Maslowski seconded. Motion carried to
accept the minutes with Mr. Duerkop added as present for the March meeting.
D.)Citizens Statements-None
E.) NEW BUSINESS: Brian Nagler, Program Supervisor of Information & Assistance and
Adult Protective Services and Melisa Sell, Information & Assistance Specialist, Aging
and Winnebago County, presented on what the ADRC is and the importance of Power of
Attorney. The ADRC is the best place to go to get accurate, unbiased information on all
aspects of living with a disability. They have a broad range of information and range of
programs and services. The ADRC assists individuals with planning for their longer
term care needs and how best utilize their own personal resources whenever available
before having to access public funding to help. A few ways to contact ADRC are: in
person at 220 Washington Ave Oshkosh or 211 N Commercial St Neenah; toll free 1 877
886 2372;htti2s://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/adre, adre@co.winneba og wi.us or Facebook.
Hours of operation are 8 am to 4:30 pm. Mr. Nagler explained long term care options
counseling, the ADRC specialists help person or family to coordinate and utilize their
own services by helping loved ones make informed decisions. Eligibility Processing and
enrollment counseling for Wisconsin's Medicaid long term care programs-Family Care
and IRIS, Mr. Nagler explained this would require the person to be eligible for medical
assistance. He explained the ADRC also frequently assist case coordination with other
entities, transportation, caregiver support programs, outreach presentations, gathers
resource information and maintains records. Mrs. Sell explained the two types of power
of attorney. The first one is for health care. She explained that Wisconsin is not a next of
kin state, and that your spouse or children do not automatically have the authority in
decision making for your medical treatment unless specified in a health care power of
attorney document. Mrs. Sell stated that all persons over 18 years of age should have a
power of attorney for both health care and finance. There are several different forms to
use, however, the ADRC uses the state's doc which is on the website. Mr. Blassingame
questioned how it is determined to activate the agent listed as the power of attorney.
Mrs. Sell explained the person would need to be assessed by two different doctors to
activate, this would find the person incapacitated. This can be reversed by one doctor if
ability to make good health care decisions is improved. Incompetency declaration is
done through the courts based on medical reports. This one rarely gets reversed. The
power of attorney for Finance is active when your signature is notarized. A person can
stipulate in the notes that if not to be activated until you are declared incapacitated. The
ADRC will help fill out the paperwork as well as make copies at no charge. Mr. Nagler
explained Dementia Care Directive which helps facilitate the conversation with a loved
one while they are still able to participate. There are three stages of dementia. The
purpose of this document is to decide what care options will be used at each stage. Mr.
Nagler stated that there will be a Caregivers Conference held in May and a World Elder
Abuse Event. Mr. Duerkop questioned if the Dementia Care Directive would become
and attachment of the Powers of Attorney. Mr. Nagler replied his hope is that is soon
would be. He has been in contact will healthcare providers to discuss this option.
F.) OLD BUSINESS:
a) Strengthen our Partnership with Neighborhood Assoc. and Other Partners-Jean
Wollerman-Mr. Blassingame questioned if Alexa from Neighborhood Association
would provide names of the people in charge of their neighborhood. He stated that he
and Mrs. Wollerman would split the names and call the individuals.
b) Improve Access to Affordable Transportation and Delivery Services for Seniors-Judy
Richey- Mr. Benedict stated he feels like a wall is continually being hit dealing with
transportation issues. Ms. Richey explained there are several groups working on
various programs. Mr. Duerkop stated that anyone with questions should contact the
ADRC. Ms. Richey explained the ADRC will do an options screening to see what one
may be eligible for.
c) Create Community Design & Policy that supports an Age Friendly community-
Lurton Blassingame- Mr. Blassingame stated the Larson-Winchester Lions Club
continues to install wheelchair ramps. However; they do not work in Oshkosh due to
their work load and other factors. Mr. Duerkop stated AB-629, Uniform Adult
Guardianship Jurisdiction was passed by senate, as was the AB-655, Supported
Decision Making Agreements. AB-6285 Regarding Silver Alert Referrals did not pass
senate. Mr. Duerkop was asked by the ADRC to write a letter of support for a grant to
fund an additional Dementia Care Specialist for Winnebago County. Ms. Richey
explained that the proposed letter was reviewed by Mr. Maurer and he was in support
of it since it did not involve any city funds.
d) Improve Communication and Visibility of Available Services to Seniors- Mrs.
Maslowski explained that she, Ms. Richey and Mr. Duerkop have arranged presenters
for each meeting for the remainder of this year. She said they are gathering
information on protocol as to how to go about moving forward with various items,
such as updating the city's website to have a senior page and articles to the Oshkosh
Herald/Northwestern. Ms. Richey stated they are in the process of setting a meeting
date to discuss the information. Mr. Maurer stated the good timing as the City is in
the process of creating a new website. He stated all questions should first be directed
to Mrs. Wollerman.
G.)OTHER BUSINESS: Ms. Richey announced that Chris Kniep decided not to apply for
the open position. She stated there is one opening and two terms expiring the end of
May. Mr. Maurer explained the Mayor's/Manager's office will contact departments to
see if appointments will be reappointed or will be vacant. He stated to apply one needs
to go to the City's website, click on I want to....and select apply.
Mr. Duerkop explained the new Medicare cards are to help prevent fraud, keep tax
money safe and prevent identity theft. The distribution of the cards will start in June and
be complete by April 2019. The cards will come automatically in the mail. If someone
contacts you regarding your card be concerned it is a scammer and call 1 800 633 4227 to
report.
Mrs. Kloeckl stated how wonderful the Benefit Specialist is, Oshkosh's specialist is Joan
Jaworski. There is a specialist located in Oshkosh and Neenah and have so much
valuable information at no charge.
H.)ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Benedict moved to adjourn, Mr. Blassingame seconded, motion carried to adjourn at 9:01
am.
NEXT MEETING:
May 1, 2018
City Hall- room 404- 8 am
Respectfully Submitted,
Bobbie Luft
Office Assistant, Senior Services