Interagency Council

September 13 Meeting

Welcome back!  We hope everyone had a great summer and we are looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

Below is a list of the upcoming meetings, Agency Spotlight and Speakers for the year.

October 11- Enrollment Services AHI. Dr. Cliff Green will speak on dual diagnosis.
November 8- Worldco Senior Service. We will have a HEAP update, special holiday projects, programs and offerings
December 13- Home Instead Senior Care. We will have Laughing Yoga and de-stressing before the holidays
January 10- SAIL. We will look at sheltering resources in our region.
February 14 Eat Smart NY, Cornell Cooperative Extension. We will discuss how to define and establish healthy relationships preventing domestic violence
March 14- Visiting Nurses Home Care. Topic of discussion will be Mediation Matters
April 11- I am I can. Spotlight on Seniors will be the topic of discussion
May 9- NY Connects. Volunteerism- Strategies to recruit and retain
June 13- Adirondack Health Institute Health Advocates. We will conclude the year with a end of year wrap up.

Interagency is looking for a Treasurer.  If you are interested, please contact Judith McKinnon or Allison Reynolds at 518-792-3537 for additional information.

We briefly discussed re-implementing the $10 dues.  We had a small crowd at this first meeting so we will re-visit this topic at the October meeting.

Community Connections Day is the first Saturday of May.  Worldco will be our sponsor again this year.  We thank them for their continued support.  Discussions on the planning of Community Connections Day will begin, roughly, in November.

Regretful News:
After 25 years of dedicated service to our community, The Association for the Hearing Impaired closed at the end of August.  Ben Driscoll and Kassey Granger are looking "homes" for the various programs they held. Flying Fingers, American Sign Language, Lip Reading Classes, the assistive technology and resources, and of course referrals.  Kassey will be teaching ASL at the Glens Falls YMCA and Ballard Road Elementary in Wilton.  The web-site will be available and active for the next year.

HIRING NEWS:

Home Helpers and Direct Link in Saratoga Springs is always looking for HCSS employees.  Contact them at 518-584-5885 for opportunities.

WWARC is hiring for multiple positions.  Direct Support Professional.  Evening, weekend and third shift postitions available.  F/T and P/T.  LPN- Granville location needs a qualified professional to fill this hands on postition. Assistance Residence Managers needed in Queensbury, Hudson Falls and Fort Edward.  Insurance package, time off, training, stability and opportunity for advancement.  Apply M-F at AED of HR 436 Quaker Road, Queensbury or for more information on these positions check out their website at www.wwarc.org


Fort Edward/Hudson Falls Senior Center located at 78 Oak Street is holding a Spaghetti Dinner on September 29.  October 6 they are holding a Board Game Party, October 13 is the Harvest Dance at the Fort Edward Firehouse.  Contact Max McDonnell at 518-747-9352 for more information.

The Glen at Highland Meadows is celebrating 10 years!  Barbara LeBouf is retiring and enjoying herself. Tom Lyons is the new Executive Director and is doing great.  The Community Space is refurbished and available for group functions.  Educational services are available year round.  Contact the Glen 518-832-7800 for more information.

The United Way micro-site "Get Connected" is available for Community Agencies to post events and volunteer opportunities, agency information, gatherings and outreach information.  Its a great tool and free to use and easy to navigate.

ARCC Leadership- ARCC offers help to non-profits in event set up, break down and anything in between.  Contact Caren Sullivan at csullivan@adirondackchamber.org or 518-798-1761 for more information.

LTCC/ NY Connects "Civic Engagement" meeting is scheduled for November 1 at the West Glens Falls Firehouse.

"Food Stamps" have a new name. The program is now called SNAP.  (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

CWI Harlem Street location opened September 12.  It is located accross the street from Waite House.

Pam Wikberg from Home Front Development Corporation was with us as our Educational Speaker.  Pam is a Credit Counselor, Forclosure Counselor and also an Advocate for Forclosure.  She can be reached at 518-747-8250, 568 Lower Allen Street Hudson Falls and by email at homefrontdev@albany.twcbc.com.

Washington County is offering rehabilitation to existing homes in the area.  Qualifications include: applicant must own the home AND live in the home and meet income guidelines.  They hope to help with repairs and Emods for 10 homes at $50,000 per home. contact Pam for more information and an application.

Homefront Development Corp has 4 Senior Apartment Projects in the area.  These are subsidized housing buildings for seniors 65 and over.  They offer 1 and 2 bedroom apartments that include heat and hot water, garbage and snow removal.  One pet is allowed, under 25 pounds who has had all it's shots and is spayed or neutered.  Locations include; Warrensburg, Fort Ann, Argyle, and Kinsgbury.

We had a great first meeting and look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting on OCTOBER 11.

Interagency Council

June 14, 2012

New Hire Availabilities: Home Helpers has openings for CNA’s and HHA’s.  Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center has an opening for a Nurse Evaluator.  Applicant must have community based care experience for the waiver program.  Also open at SAIL is a Regional Resource Development Specialist for the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Program.  Both job descriptions are available by calling Karen Thayer or Anna Livingston at SAIL at 518-792-3537.

Neighbors NY has a new location.  They have moved to 206 Glen Street in Glens Falls.

Association for the Hearing Impaired is selling Duck Race tickets.  See Kassey Granger or Ben Driscol for more information and purchasing.

Bob Faughnan is a new member of Interagency.  He runs an outreach ministry of Crossroads Church providing rides for vets.  The program is called “Ricky Ride”.  Contact him at 518-307-7370 for more information. It is designed to provide rides for veterans to Broad Street HC, the VA clinic, VFW, job interviews, etc..  He is looking for additional ideas to help in the community.

Susan Dornan-OFA-Warren/Hamilton County NY connects is a place to get the information and assistance to help you make informative decisions about long term care.  Wednesday July 11 there is a case study seminar from 10-12. Check out www.co.warren.ny.us/ofa for more information. 

NY Connects is putting on a seminar on Consumer Protection hosted by The Glen on September 12 from 3-4:30 

Members spoke about creating a scholarship/grant to involved agencies via an application form for improvements, projects, parties, events in the amount of $500.  Applications will be reviewed and decided upon by a committee.

The September meeting the idea of “Suggested Yearly Donation” by members will be discussed, $10.00 per agency involved by October meeting.   

Deb Obenhoff is retiring as Lead Coordinator for Interagency Council.  We thank her for her devotion.  Judith McKinnon and Allison Reynolds will take the role in the fall.  Next meeting is on September 13^th.

Thank you for a wonderful year with Interagency.  We all hope everyone has a great summer and look forward to meeting with everyone in the fall.

Interagency Council

May 10, 2012

New Hire availability at Home Helpers for PCA, HCA and HCA’s Contact Home Helpers directly for additional information.

Events-  Community Connections on May 5 went very well.  Thank you for World Co. for their support.  A survey will go out soon.

            -SAIL is offering Waiver Info Sessions, CHANGES Sessions, Coasters for a Cause Tickets, several Volunteer Opportunities.

            -Home Front- Washington County Housing Rehab. 518-747-8250 has up to $50,000 for 10 households for home improvements.

Shelter Planning- Working with SAIL and NHTD for Emods.  Income eligibility specific, call 518-798-6627.

Vet Help- Leslie Carrol spoke about the availability of assistance to Veterans.  There are 2 homeless shelters in Saratoga County.  One female shelter that can house 11 females and one male shelter that can house 12 male veterans.  They have an transitional building in Wilton for families with a two year lease, or as long as needed.  Average stay has been about 10 months.  All issues need to be addressed, medical, physical and mental before one can be released, and they must have a source of income.  There is case management on site for their assistance.  Leslie tells us there is a duplex in Ballston Spa as well.  These shelters provide a great environment of understanding for Veterans.  The shelters provide family counseling, all health services with transportation.

Paul Stoke offers help to widows for a “benefit search”.  Contact him at 885-0673x208.

There is also a Womens Vet Retreat in Lake George every summer, generally in August.  Leslie has additional information on all noted above and can be reached at 885-0091 or 885-0673x208.

Erica Walker- Community Health Advocate form Adirondack Health Institute, formerly Upper Hudson Primary Consortium.  She works on a grant funded program for insurance advocacy named “Affordable Care Act”.  This Act provides information regarding several areas on insurance one may not be aware of.  Such as; covering a dependant until age 26 even if they are married, Cobra until 29, Senior Care- closing the donut hole, eliminating “pre-existing condition” for minors up to 19.  She offers help with insurance eligibility, enrollment services.  Medicaid, family health plus.

NYS Bridge Plan- $362 a month for those with pre-existing conditions.  Must be without insurance for months with pre existing.  This will last until 01/01/2014.  She advocates Patient assistance rates to decrease office visit fees, decrease or allow free meds!

January 01/01/2012 it will be MANDATORY everyone has medical insurance or there will be a $90.00 fine imposed.

Erica works for 6 counties, excluding Saratoga.  Her office is at 9 Carey Road in Queensbury and can be reached at 518-761-0300x31252.

Next Meeting- 06/14/2012

Interagency Council:

Next Meeting-May 10, 2012

At the Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center

Meeting Minutes: 4/12/2012

Chairwomen: Allison Reynolds and Judith McKinnon

Treasurer: Fred Ratto

Secretary: Jocelyn Blanchard, Barb Potvin

Welcome

-          We have been offered a reduced cost grant writing training. Please email Debra Obenhoff (debra@homehelpersny.com) if you are interested in reserving a spot for this training (if we have significant interest we will be scheduling a date to be given out later).

-          Community Connections Day materials are here!  If you are looking for some to hand out to your world please see Allison Reynolds at SAIL (792-3537). Table registration will be available through the end of the week email Debra if you are still wanting to come (debra@homehelpersny.com).

-          May 29th: Overcoming Barriers to Service Delivery (see Judith McKinnon at SAIL for table registrations, limited to 15 registrations: jmck@sail-center.org, 792-3537) will be held at 1st Baptist Church, 100 Maple Street in Glens Falls.  Community discussion of service delivery, food distribution, and homelessness in our area starting at 1pm.

North Country Ministries:

- focus on car seat safety and their car seat distribution program.

·         90% of car seats are improperly installed.

·         Car seats cannot be in the front seat of a car.

·         They brought 3 car seats (infant, a convertible car seat, and a convertible booster).

·         Car seats are only good for 6 years.

·         Car seats are mandatory through the ninth birthday or 47 inches tall.

·         Watch out for back seat bullets (any loose things in the car that in an accident become dangerous).  Buckle unused seat belts to prevent them from flying around the vehicle.

Their services includes the car seat distribution to needy families but the most underutilized and most important service is car seat inspection and safety evaluation.

-          two coming up one at head start and the other is at North Country Ministries.

Gene Dumlao

EPIC-

-          for seniors 65 years or older to assist with prescription costs

-          there was a battle for coverage this last year that we ended up on the bottom side of

-          doesn't work until the Donut Hole-Coverage Gap ($2930 total cost- $4700 out of pocket in 2012)

-          EPIC now requires all members to Medicare Part D (no more exceptions)

-          EPIC is free with no fees or deductibles (for 2012)

-          EPIC is a safety net (if something happens you have coverage) that can help in case of unforseen medication needs

-          EPIC pays the Medicare D premium (incomes up to $23,00 for singles and $29,000 if married)

-          RESTORATION of EPIC- this year the budget passed for 2013 is opening the service to outside of the donut hole.  This will start January 1, 2013 ($30.6 Million restored to EPIC) printed version to come soon.

Changes in Medicare Services:

-          distributed list of Medicare Preventative Services Checklist (in 2012 any of these screenings are to be free with Medicare, within the time tables presented)

-          addition of two new preventative services (alcohol abuse and depression screenings now free)

Observation status- Mike Burgess former director of NYSOFA

-          During hospitalization there is a brochure distributed to bring with you to the hospital.

·         Have with you insurance information, telephone numbers of emergency contacts (including primary physician, recent test, lab and x-rays results, list of all medication and doses, list of allergies to food and medicine, and a copy of health care proxy and advanced directives.

·         Have a copy of your health care proxy with your primary doctor or on record with the hospital

·         It is important in the hospital to know your admission status (observation status, outpatient, can last up to 48 hours).  This status can change whether your Medicare Part A pays for your visit or if it will be under Part B coverage.  If a patient has not been admitted for three days, then Medicare will not pay for any nursing home care for rehabilitation or other purposes and the patient will be financially responsible for this expensive care.

·         Patients who are dissatisfied with the quality of care received in the hospital, you or a family member or caregiver should report this concern t a doctor or nurse. If problems are not resolved, a formal complaint can be made to the Patient Representative in the hospital.  If a patient disagrees with a hospital's discharge decision, an appeal can be made with IPRO, the contracted agency to review complaints.  Once an appeal is made, a patient has 24 hours from the time a decision is made to leave the facility.  Medicare will provide coverage during the appeal.

-    contacts: IPRO 1-800-648-4776

-    concerns about quality of care can be made to NYS DOH at 1-800-804-5447 or at night or on the weekends at 518-402-1003

-    NYSwide Senior Action council Patients Rights Helpline 1-800-333-4374

·         All hospitals in NYS are required to develop a written discharge plan which must be agreed to and signed by the patient or the health care proxy. (You have the right to request everything in writing)

-    make all necessary preparations before coming home to prevent additional falls and readmissions: supplies like walker, hospital bed, shower chair, oxygen and other supplies. Make any necessary home modifications and ensure there are safety precautions including adequate lighting, grab bars, and securing loose carpeting.

-    Schedule and keep health care appointments

-    know your limitation and what symptoms to be aware of

-email swnys@aol.com to get onto their email list

-nysenior.org is their website with information and newsletters

Interagency Council

Next Meeting-April 12, 2012

At the Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center

Meeting Minutes: 3/8/12

Chairwomen: Debra Obenhoff and Judith McKinnon

Treasurer: Fred Ratto

Secretary: Allison Reynolds

Welcome

New Hire Minute: Home Helpers is hiring PCA's

Event Updates: Bruce Hersey from the Open Door will be having a Civic Engagement Forum. This forum will discuss topics of food, services, and shelter in our area. It will be at the First Baptist Church on 100 Maple Street in Glens Falls May 29th 2012 at 1:00pm. 
Homefront Development Corp has received a grant for $50,000 to help individuals living in Washington County with rehabing their home. The grant will help households that may have mold, mildew, and lead paint problems in their home. If you would like more info on this contact Pam Wikerg at 747-8250.
Association for the Hearing Impaired has Lip reading classes available. More info Contact  Kassey Granger 761-0554.

Speaker: Audrey Shaw from the American Cancer Society 
Discussed how the Cancer Society does more than we think. They do research, programing, education, advocacy and outreach. Currently they have the Patient Resource Navigation Service which trains volunteers to work with cancer patients on things like diet, exercise, transportation, and help with insurance. They are looking for more volunteers for five days a week from 8-12. 
The Cancer Service Program helps individuals get screenings even if they might not have insurance for they do have insurance but cant afford the copays. 

Next Meeting: April 12, 2012 at 8:30am
Agency Spotlight: Christine Langworthy from North Country Ministries
Presenter: Mike Burgess the former head of NYSOFA to speak about the current changes in the Medicaid Redesign and to Medicare. 

Anyone who would like to join the Community Connections Meeting will be held after Interagency from 10-11am.  We will also be handing out the posters for the Community Connections day event at the next meeting. If you are not able to attend that meeting and would like some posters to distribute please see Allison Reynolds or Judith McKinnnon at SAIL for them. Thank you.

Interagency Minutes

Minutes 6/9/11

Interagency Council

Next Meeting: March 8, 2012

At the Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center

Chairwomen: Debra Obenhooff and Judith McKinnon

Treasurer: Fred Ratto

Secretary: Allison Reynolds

Welcome

Speaker: Gail Infante from the Cancer Services Program of the Glens Falls Hospital

Gail discussed colon cancer and the importance of screenings and colonoscopies. Colon cancer is the number two killer in the US and they have paired with the American Cancer Society to bring more awareness to the subject. They have formed a program to have Main Street go blue to bring awareness to Colon Cancer. They also have programs for people who have insurance but can’t afford to pay a copay for a screening or colonoscopy. They also have Fit Kits that can be done at home and sent in to get results.  

Judith McKinnon from the Money Follows the Person grant

Discussed how a new individual from the Money Follows the Person program will be working at the Glens Falls Hospital to provide patients information on community resources and programs before they are discharged to nursing facility or home. This will allow the patient to have more options and more knowledge of the process in which they might be going through.

Educational Speaker: Paul Mastrianty from Grant Works

Paul came to help us as agencies learn more about grant writing. Paul holds an even more in depth class on how to write grants and gives people the tools to be successful in writing grants. Paul gave everyone a basic overview of the grant writing process and how an agency needs to go about thinking of how to use grants to their advantage. He gave great advice on making sure to do your research on the Foundation and grant that you are applying for. Then you have to write your story and know your budget and develop a relationship with the foundation before you submit the grant proposal.

Our Agency Spotlight for next meeting is Audrey Shaw from the American Cancer Society.

Update: Community Connections day will be on May 5^th 2012. We will be discussing in more detail the day of events at the next meeting.  Anyone who would like to help with the planning and organization of the day. Please stay after the Interagency Meeting for the planning meeting for Community Connections Day.

Interagency Meeting Minutes

Minutes: 1/12/12

Next Meeting: February 9, 2012

Chairwomen: Debra Obenhoff and Judith McKinnon

Treasurer: Fred Ratto

Secretary: Allison Reynolds


New Hire Minute: None at this time.

Updates:
Homeinstead-Hosting a free webinar monthly on care giving.
Home Front Development Corporation
- Has been awarded a new grant to to help individuals with environmental issues to their homes such as mold mildew, etc.
Warren County Cooperative Extension
- Is looking for applicants for their Eat Smart NY program. The program deals mostly with families with children but may help other individuals. Other programs they have are Supporting Healthy families. Which helps to teach parents and caregivers of preschool age children parenting skills over 6 weeks incentives for participating. Tuesday Feb 28-April 3 6;30-8 at the Queensbury Location.  VITA is another program that helps individuals who qualify to get their taxes done for free.  
Southern Adirondack Child Care Network
- Is doing a quality assurance study. They need individuals to take a survey.
Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center
-February 14 Advocacy Day in Albany call for details 792-3537

Agency Spotlight: Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center
Jocelyn Blanchard discussed the programs that SAIL has to offer. We are not a residential living facility. We help individuals with many different types of disabilities. We work with all age groups.  We provide a variety of services such as advocacy, accessibility surveys, computer classes, independent living skills training, information and referrals and trainings.
SAIL also houses the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion and Traumatic Brian Injury Medicaid Waiver Programs. The two programs serve about 400 people preventing them from being a nursing facility and able to receive services in the community. We also house the Money Follow the Person Demonstration which helps get information to nursing home residents about what their options are. SAIL has served over 1453 people last year and saved NY State $4,541,516 by helping individuals either avoid nursing home placement or bring them out of a nursing home facility.
Long Term Care Council Initiatives
Workforce Development
- Looking to start Aide trainings locally. So that more people could attend.
Housing
-Working on having forums about senior care and accessible housing issues. Also discussing downsizing, waiting lists for housing, planning ahead of time, and solutions for those who live rurally.
Transportation
- Working on updating the Aging in Place transportation guide and making it more usable and more widely distributed
Advocating for more accessible transportation options
Civic Engagement
-Care teams initiative for faith base groups to have free training on how to create and run effective care teams.
-Commuinty forum on decreaseing duplication and unity for best service provision
-Volunteer recognition commuinty day and commuitny vounteer recognition fintiatives