Commission on Aging

Roswell Commission on Aging Minutes September 15, 2016 Senior Circle Members Present: Tom Dunlap Bob McCrea Bonnie Montgomery Members Absent: Monica Duran Renee Swickard Lynne Ybarra Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 3 p.m. by Vice-Chair Tom Dunlap. Roll Call: Commissioners introduced themselves to 25 guests. July 21, 2016 minutes: Bob McCrea made a motion that the minutes be approved; Tom Dunlap seconded the motion; motion carried. Introduction of Personal Assistant Debra Young: The name of her new business is ‘At Your Service.’ Ms. Young gave an overview of the type of work she is offering: paperwork, banking, errands, and transportation to doctor visits. Discussion regarding alleged veterans product solicitation at La Villa by James Simpson, American Military Benefits: Tom Dunlap cautioned attendees about Mr. Simpson’s offers. Any issues regarding ‘trusts’ should be directed to Cynthia Green, First American Bank, Roswell. If one suspects an onset of dementia with relatives or friends, they are advised to make an appointment with Ms. Green. Telephone solicitations: Bonnie Montgomery read an inquiry that appeared in Dear Abby’s column. Residents are cautioned to decline to participate in surveys and unsolicited phone calls. Discussion regarding meeting with Chaves County Sheriff Snyder over Alzheimer locator bracelets: Tom Dunlap appointed Renee Swickard and Lynne Ybarra to personally talk with Sheriff Snyder. The purpose is to ask the Sheriff to contact The Alzheimer’s Organization. Lynne and Renee were asked to report the outcome of their conversation to the Commission at the November meeting. A second topic to approach: the Chaves County Mounted Patrol, Search & Rescue. Discussion regarding Senior Forum wrap-up: Anyone approaching the age of 65 is advised to make an appointment with a Medicare insurance specialist. Tom Dunlap thanked Roswell Daily Record reporter Lisa Dunlap for providing newspaper coverage. Commissioner comments: Clara Farah, PhD. reported that an ombudsman who served the Ruidoso area is no longer with New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services. Dr. Farah teaches ‘Creative Aging’ in Ruidoso. She works closely with AARP and the New Mexico Department of Aging & Long-Term Services. She noted that a for-profit assisted living facility has been opened in Ruidoso. That facility can accommodate 18 residents. There is also the Mescalero Care Unit, a non-profit facility, with approximately 3 units. Tom Dunlap noted that NM Representative Bill McCamey has introduced a bill on ‘Physician Assisted Suicide.’ There is a national advocacy group named ‘Care and Compassion.’ Dr. Gervais informed commissioners and attendees that Roswell has 3 psychiatrists. LaCasa is back in business and is a stable site. The Behavioral Health Center is partially state and federally funded. The Roswell Rehabilitation Center handles patients who are affected by substance abuse. Next meeting: Thursday, November 17th at 3 o’clock, Senior Circle. Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Montgomery Secretary