Senior Services Committee

CITY OF VERONA SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE March 9, 2021 VERONA SENIOR CENTER MINUTES 1. The meeting of the Senior Services Committee was called to order by Katie Kohl at 6:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call: On roll call: Charlotte Jerney, Christine Posey and Katie Kohl were present. Also present: Stephanie Ehle, Senior Center Director, Julie Larson, Case Manager. 3. Approval of the minutes from the February 9, 2021 Senior Services Committee meeting. Motion by Kohl, seconded by Jerney. Motion carried 3-0. 4. Director’s Report  As the county continues to change the recommendations and emergency orders, the Senior Center will follow those and expand their offerings. The Senior Center will be opening slowly to keep everyone safe.  RSVP is expanding their medical ride pilot program. Verona drivers were not chosen however this is a promising step for moving forward.  Ehle invited Julie Larson to share some MOW reporting information and case management news. 5. Reports on Programs and Case Management: Case Management - report given by Julie Larson  Becky Losby is stepping down from her role as Case Manager. Her last day will be March 26. Alder Jerney asked if the Senior Center will be filling the position right away. Ehle responded that they will fill it, however they will be taking some time to assess their needs. Becky was not interested in a party so an announcement will go into the April 2021 Chronicle. Alder Kohl asked that the staff pass on thanks to her for her efforts.  Larson talked through the following reports: Alder Jerney asked if the information was broken down monthly. Larson stated no, however it is possible to look at it that way in the Schedules Plus system. Jerney stated it would be neat to see the cumulative data and month to month data to see if there are any seasonal trends. Alder Jerney asked about lead time for emergency meals. Larson stated that the case management team has spoken with people weekly throughout the pandemic to see if they needed meals. Some higher needs clients were/are contacted multiple times a week.  On March 25th all three case managers will be hosting an Outreach event via Zoom. Moving forward each staff will take turns hosting the events one time per month. April’s topic is self-care.  The case managers are checking in with the veterans. The group members also check in on each other. The Senior Center will be offering a drive up event for veterans in spring before Lauren (student intern) leaves.   Caregiver’s group has had three new members since January 1st. In February they had a Valentine’s party via Zoom with fun games and trivia. They are exploring meeting in person, possibly outdoors, in the spring/summer.  TRIAD programs are on hold but the Senior Center is offering a drug take back event in April. Alder Kohl asked if case managers are receiving more self-referrals or referrals from others. Larson stated many are self-referrals. Lots of people call for one specific thing which then opens the discussion for more. Many others calls come from clinics, police, and a few from concerned neighbors.  Lauren’s last day will be April 29th. She will compile survey results before she leaves. The Senior Center will look to have more students in the future.  Larson shared a case study as an example of the type of clients the Senior Center serves. Case Management Highlight During the summer Sylvia, still living independently, started developing memory loss and confusion which led to “crisis like” calls to the senior center about people taking her things, people being in her apartment, and concerns for her personal safety. Case management worked countless hours with Sylvia, her daughter, the apartment complex, her medical providers and Verona Police Department. Case management assisted the family with:  Ensuring that, during periods of lucidity, Sylvia was part of the conversation and her desires were documented for future reference.  Finding a private caregiver to come in multiple times a week.  Supporting her daughter with resources, education and guidance.  Arranging home-delivered meals for adequate nutrition and ease on her daughter.  Communicating with Sylvia’s medical team to schedule appointments and arrange for a geriatric assessment.  Working collaboratively with Verona Police Department when Sylvia started wandering alone outside at night.  Working collaboratively with her apartment complex over concerns of neighbors and information on terminating her lease when needed. In the fall Sylvia was diagnosed with several health issues including an aggressive form of Dementia. For the time being Sylvia has moved in with her daughter and has around-the- clock care. The family continues working with case management to explore options for Sylvia for when her Dementia progresses further and navigate the financial burden. Programs:  Programs at the Verona Senior Center continue to be mostly virtual. Programs offered in-house for March include: foot care/diabetic foot care, AARP taxes, foot reflexology, movies, exercise room, Great Course, and bracelet making.  Online signups through the Schedules Plus program will start in April.  Examples of popular programs: o What we Need to Know About the Corona Vaccine: 32 attended o Virtual Devils Lake Hike: 23 attended o Mindfulness and Meditation: 21 attended  The Senior Center continues to partner with local businesses. They have been collaborating with one to two restaurants each month, offering a drive thru meal. They also choose one Chronicle advertiser each month and give them a half page spread in the newsletter to promote their company or business.  Volunteers are slowly returning. The Senior Center has brought back one MOW driver and three front desk volunteers. They hope to bring back more volunteers soon.  Spring/summer plans include many outdoor events: exercise classes, outdoor concerts, outdoor movie, and a possible gardening group. 6. Other Business - none 7. Adjournment  Motion by Alder Jerney, seconded by Posey, to adjourn at 6:46 p.m. Motion carried 3-0.