Commission on Aging

Roswell Commission on Aging Minutes November 17, 2016 Senior Circle Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Tom Dunlap at 3 p.m. Roll Call: Commissioners introduced themselves to guests. Members Present: Tom Dunlap, Vice-Chairman Monica Duran Robert McCrea Bonnie Montgomery Renee Swickard Member Absent: Lynne Ybarra September 15, 2016 minutes: Bob McCrea made a motion to approve the minutes: motion seconded by Monica Duran. The minutes were approved. Discussion regarding Alzheimer’s Association locater bracelets (the lack thereof in Chaves County): Renee Swickard and Lynne Ybarra met with Chaves County Sheriff Britt Snyder. The few bracelets their office has on hand are obsolete. Priscilla Lujan, Director of the Roswell Alzheimer’s Association, informed Renee and Lynne that other counties have locater bracelets. The issue is funding for new bracelets and staff training. Discussion regarding the JOY Center budget cut of $52,000 and the need for donations: Monica Duran told commissioners and guests of their Adult Day Care Program. They are currently able to accommodate 24 participants. As the State of New Mexico has cut all budgets by 5.5%, the JOY Center is experiencing staff cutbacks and the number of on-site meals provided is cut by 2,000. as well as home-delivered meals cut by 4,600. Transportation has also been curtailed. Tom Dunlap strongly encouraged everyone to contact their state legislators to express their support for the JOY Center. Discussion regarding Medicare sign-ups and renewals: The deadline is December 7, 2016. Everyone is advised to meet with a representative of a local insurance agent. One may also go online to www.medicare.gov or visit the local office for New Mexico Department of Aging & Long-Term Services. Discussion regarding the need for state representatives to service New Mexico, south of US 66: Monica Duran will address this need with our local representatives. She has already visited with RSVP and New Mexico Senior Olympics. Discussion regarding outbreak of infectious diseases at local nursing homes: This is in reference to an outbreak at Casa Maria in 2014. Handout: an article on Medicaid fraud. The handout is placed in the permanent file /notebook retained by the Commission Secretary. Commissioner comments: None. Guest inquiry: One guest asked for advice regarding legal aid and donations of food. Next meeting: January 19, 2017 at 3:00 p.m., Brookdale Country Club, 2801 N. Kentucky. Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Montgomery Secretary