02-11-1985 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ulrich mentioned the "Community Focal Points," a report the Council received, and wondered if better coordination could be achieved through the Focal Points. Stern said this is something staff will be working on this coming year. She also explained "Focal Points" as the intention to designate points in community where the elderly could get information on services available, such as a senior citizen center. The Aging program is designating these places. The designation makes them eligible for funding. (2) Stern said there is a need i'or multidimensional assessment: When people first start needing services there should be an assessment. (Different people in the community identify problems: doctors, clergy, families, and those in need themselves.) The assessor does not need to be professional, it could be family or the person in need. (It would be good to have someone objective.) (3) Stern said future fi:!ancing is critical, including: More and better use of personal and financial ,rescurces - (There will be a great need even as public funding is increased.) People should become more financially responsible for their own care, more sliding fee scales, more flexible use of public funds. Separation of housing and service costs needs to be studied further. (People could shop around for the "housing" segment of nursing home care.) Public funds could be alloted for services or "whatever." Ulrich said the separation of housing and service charges would be wonderful. Reeves said the amount charged for housing in a nursing home is outrageous for what you get. Garber asked for a definition of "spend down." Stern explained if one goes into a nursing home and has housing or other assets, their money is spent on a month -to -month basis until there is "0" balance; at that point one becomes eligible for medicaid. The nursing home receives the money and then gives the patient $25/month. Stern said one loses a sense of control under this system. (4) Stern listed some of the system gaps, as follows: - Need for affordable housing for chronically mentally ill and "confused" elderly - Need for affordable congregate housing, including handicapped - Personal care service: bathing, grooming, meal preparation - Consumer protection - Complaint mechanism Should be some sort of central agency where people could call and complain and get action on their complaint. Garber said housing choices should to available in all metropolitan locations. (5) Public roles and responsibilities: Federal and state funding (Medicare, Medicaid, Title III) should continue, but there should be flexibility in how those funds can be used. The community is where services take place and also where coordination should occur. The municipalities should take a more active role and should have a long-term care component in their comprehensive plans, as well as ways to assess the needs of the population. The committee thanked Stern for the excellent report.