HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA Min 5-1-18 Oshkosh Seniors Center
200 N. Campbell Rd.
Oshkosh,WI 54902
0)232-5300 (920)232-5307 FAX
OSHKOSH COMMITTEE ON AGING (COA) MINUTES
May 1, 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, Bobbie Luft, Office Assistant
EXCUSED:
ABSENT: Deb Allison-Aasby
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
April 3rd, 2018 minutes, Mr. Blassingame moved to accept the minutes as written, Mr.
Benedict seconded. Motion carried to accept the minutes as written.
D.)Citizens Statements-None
E.) NEW BUSINESS:
Denise R. Parrish, RN, MSN, NE-BC, Chief Administrative Officer &
Vice President of Patient Care Services presented on Ascension Mercy Hospital Geropsych
Department. Geropsych units are departments that focus on treating mental health and psychiatric
disorders in older adults,usually 60 and older. Patients will include, disorders assessed as being
primarily due to mental illness or patients with cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems that
require care and treatment in a secure inpatient setting. Patents who are younger than 60 may be
considered for this unit depending on their needs. One in four adults ages 65 or older experiences
mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or dementia according to the
American Psychological Association. People 85 and older have the highest suicide rate of any age
group, older white males who have a suicide rate almost six times that of the general population,
according to the National Council on Aging. There are two other units like this in Wisconsin.
Ascension is partnering with Signet Health to help with the start up. Signet does not own the facilities.
Signet supports client hospitals goals and objectives through management services. Signet will assist in
recruiting the staff an,marketing and outreach for referrals. Construction started at the end of March,
there will be eight beds ready by July 1St. There will be two more phases of build out which will
include 25 beds over the next several years. Jobs have been posted and training will begin as soon as
hires start. Currently these patients go to the adult psych unit and can only stay an average of 3 days.
On this unit patients will be allowed to stay 10-12 days to allow for medication adjustment. Mr.
Duerkop questioned if this department would be regional. Mrs. Parish stated it would be eventually,
the eight beds will fill up with Oshkosh patients. Mr. Benedict questioned if this would be beneficial to
patients with Alzheimer's. Mrs. Parish stated it may assist with those patients however it would not be
the focus. Ms. Richey questioned if the hospital with work with correctional facilities. Mrs. Parish
stated they would. Mr. Duerkop questioned if this would be an option of placement for Winnebago
County Human Services protective placement? Mrs. Parish stated it could potentially however, it
would be more of a planned admission as it is more of a controlled and secure locked unit. She urged
the committee to take a tour in June.
F.) OLD BUSINESS:
a) Strengthen our Partnership with Neighborhood Assoc. and Other Partners-Jean
Wollerman-no report
b) Improve Access to Affordable Transportation and Delivery Services for Seniors-Judy
Richey-Mrs. Bellin explained that she, Claude and Judy me on the 18th. They have
found that there are not a lot of options for homebound elderly to receive groceries and
pharmacy needs. She stated Walmart has a pick-up, Pick n Save and Piggly Wiggly
have some services, however ordering online may be an issue. Mrs. Richey suggested
asking the people that walk around the store if they would be willing to partner up
with a homebound person to assist them. Mr. Blassingame suggested to discuss the
issue with Neighborhood Association and maybe they could come up with ideas within
their neighborhood. Ms. Richey stated that would be the same for those in apartment
buildings.
c) Create Community Design & Policy that supports an Age Friendly community-
Lurton Blassingame- Mr. Blassingame received the list of neighborhood alliances and
he sent a note to five regarding concerns, he receive two letters in return. One from
Menominee South and one from Millers Bay. He has a meeting with Shelly Reinke and
if there are questions you would like asked please let Mr. Blassingame know. Mrs.
Maslowski stated that her neighborhood group is looking for initiatives for next year,
checking on neighbors could be one. Ms. Richey stated to share dates of meetings with
the neighborhoods and phone numbers to those homebound.
d) Improve Communication and Visibility of Available Services to Seniors- Mr.
Duerkop announced a free conference on Thursday May 17; Caring for the Caregiver
will start at 9 am until 3 pm. UW-Oshkosh Alumni Center, 625 Pearl Ave, with free
parking in the lot next to the center. Registration is required by May 15th. Call Nancy
Ruedinger at 236-1220 or email nruedinger@co.winnebago.wi.us. He shared that
Winnebago County will hold a wheelchair wash on Friday,June 22 from 10 am to 2
pm located in North High School Parking lot, 1100 W Smith Ave. Registration
through Making the Ride Happen at 920 225 1719 or mrh@lsswis.org. Reservations
not needed but may have a longer wait time. There will be music, food and a clean
and inspected wheelchair. He announced on May 18 there will be a conference in
Rockville Maryland for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) Participants can join via web site
httl2s://www.mymeetings.com/nc/j oin/.1hp?i=PWX W 7323884&p=3027392&t-c
Conference central time will be from 9-11:30 am, Register and safe the date for the 1St
National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day.
G.)OTHER BUSINESS:
0 Watch a video on the new Medicare Cards. New Card will not have social security
numbers on them and will start being mailed to Wisconsin recipients starting in June.
Be aware of scams, never give out any information to anyone regarding this as they
will never contact you for this information via phone, text or email.
• Mr. Duerkop, Mr. Benedict and Ms. Richey attended the last council meeting and
accepted a Proclamation for May being Older Adult Month.
• June will be election of new officers.
M ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Blassingame moved to adjourn, Mr. Benedict seconded, motion carried to adjourn at 8:52
am.
NEXT MEETING:
July 3, 2018
City Hall- room 404- 8 am
Respectfully Submitted,
Bobbie Luft
Office Assistant, Senior Services