HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_COA_07.20.2015Minutes of the
Georgetown Commission on Aging
City of Georgetown, Texas
July 20, 2015
The City of Georgetown Commission on Aging met on July 20, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety
Facility, located at 3500 DB Wood Road, Georgetown, TX 78633.
Regular Session
(This Regular session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose
authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
Call to Order
Chairman Tim O'Neill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Seven Board members were present.
Board members Gene Jantzen and Patricia Strickland were absent. Also present were Staff Liaison Fire
Chief John Sullivan and Staff Liaison Office Specialist Linda White.
Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine items that may be acted upon with
one single vote. An item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda in order that it be discussed and acted
upon individually as part of the Regular Agenda.
A. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the meeting held on June 15,
2015. Gary Anderson made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 15, 2015 meeting.
Ginny Hahn seconded the motion, which the Board approved unanimously.
Regular Agenda
The Commission will individually consider and possibly take action on any or all of the following items:
B. Presentation by Erin Vanlandingham and Kent Herring of Family Elder Care discussing
possibility of repeating the AdvanteAge survey so that the Commission has a better grasp of
the over sixty population needs and priorities. Erin Vanlandingharn and Kent Herring were
unable to attend.
C. Discussions of "asset" assignments. Transportation: Dan Bonner attended a Georgetown
Transportation Advisory Board meeting and gave an overview. Dan Bonner and Ginny Hahn
reviewed information gathered pertaining to transportation. Housin : Virginia Lazenby gave R
report from materials she had gathered on housing. Affordable Adult Dgy Care- Gary Anderson
gave a report pertaining to adult day care. Survey- Josephine Zamora discussed the survey. Ms.
Zamora will divide among the Board members, the questions from the previous AdvantAge
survey so that each member has 10 questions. Board members are to review the questions and
determine whether or not to retain the question, delete the question, and/or develop the question
further, and/or create a new question. The questions will be discussed at the August meeting.
Adjournment
The next Board meeting will be Monday, August 17, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., at the Public Safety Facility,
3500 DB Wood Road, Georgetown, Texas.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 • • a motion by Gary Anderson, seconded by Virginia Lazenby,
which the Board approved unanimously.
Tim O'Neill,
ion on Aging
"'�atricia • Secretary
Georgetown Commission on Aging
GEORGETOWN COMMISSION ON AGING
2014/2015
Name, Address, Phone Number,
Appt
Exp
Term
Description
Notes
Fax & E-mail
Date
Date
of Position
Gary Anderson
3/15
2/16
1'` — Partial
Service provider
1
Dan Bonner (Vice Chair)
3115
2/17
V — Full
Service provider
2
Virginia Hahn 1
3115
2/16
1"— Partial
Senior living in
3
Gene en
3/15
2/17
l" —Full
Senior living in
4
Virginia Lazenby
3115
2/I6
1"— Partial
Service Provider
5
Donna Livingston
3/15
2/17
I" — Full
Caregiver to
6
Tim O'Neill (Chair)
3/15
2/16
1'' — Partial
SWU Professor
7
8
Patricia Strickland (Secretary)
3/15
2/17
1" — Full
Service,
9
Josephine Zamora
3/15
2/16
1" — Partial
Clinical Nurse
Staff Liaisons:
John Sullivan, Fire Chief, (512)930-3473, iohn.sullivan@georgetown.orcl or
Linda White, Office Specialist, (512)930-3652, Iinda.white(d1georgetown.org� S�ti1�oA�5
�O./�E,2i Si �'1N%Oe�i ?qa-G A),V&4-1n SnCG 1,9Cisr '__65/ -- `1i 3 �_- - / 3 �, 7
Time and Date of Regular Meetings: To be decided by the Board at an initial meeting.
Term of Office: Two years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Last roster update: June 10, 2015
Notice of Meeting for the
Georgetown Commission on Aging
of the City of Georgetown
July 20, 2015 at 6:00 PM
at 3500 DB Wood Road, Georgetown, TX 78633
The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If
you require assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA,
reasonable assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the
City at least four (4) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 113 East
8th Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Session
(This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose
authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A Call to Order — Tim O'Neill, Board Chair
Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine items that may be acted upon with
one single vote. An item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda in order that it be discussed and acted
upon individually as part of the Regular Agenda.
B Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the meeting held on June 15, 2015 —
Linda White, Board Liaison
Legislative Regular Agenda
C Presentation by Erin Vanlandingham and Kent Herring of Family Elder Care discussing possibility of
repeating the AdvanteAge survey so that the Commission has a better grasp of the over sixty
population needs and priorities.
D Discussions of "asset" assignments. Tim O'Neill, Chairman, Commission on Aging
E Discussion of future agendas and priorities. Tim O'Neill, Chairman, Commission on Aging
NOU %t'l. Dq CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
I, Jessica Brettle, City Secretary for the City of Georgetown, Texas, do hereby certify that this Notice of
Meeting was posted at City Hall, 113 E. 8th Street, a place readily accessible to the general public at all
times, on the �_5 day of I—wk L X 2015, at *J'4504, and remained so posted for at
least 72 continuous hours preceding the sohebuled time of said meeting.
Page 1 of 21
Notice of Meeting of the
GEORGETOWN COMMISSION ON AGING
City of Georgetown, Texas
.lulu 20, 2015
The Georgetown Commission on Aging will meet on Monday, July 20, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Facility,
located at 3500 DB Wood Road, Georgetown, Texas 78633.
The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require
assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable assistance,
adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the Georgetown Commission on
Aging Liaison at least four (4) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 113 E. 8`n
Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Session
This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose authorized by the Open
Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.
Call to Order — Tim O'Neill, Board Chair
Statutory Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine items that the Board may act on with one single vote. A
board member may pull any item from the Consent Agenda in order that the Board discuss and act upon it individually as part of the
Regular Agenda.
A. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the meeting held on June 15, 2015 — Linda
White, Board Liaison
Legislative Regular Agenda
The Board will individually consider and possibly take action on any or all of the following items:
B. Presentation by Erin Vanlandingham and Kent Herring of Family Elder Care discussing possibility of
repeating the AdvanteAge survey so that the Commission has a better grasp of the over sixty population
needs and priorities.
C. Discussions of "asset" assignments. Tim O'Neill, Chairman, Commission on Aging
D. Discussion of future agendas and priorities. Tim O'Neill, Chairman, Commission on Aging
Adjournment
Certificate of Posting
I, Jessica Brettle, City Secretary for the City of Georgetown, Texas, do hereby certify that this Notice of Meeting was
posted at City Hall, 113 E. 8ch Street, a place readily accessible to the general public at all times, on the day of
, 2015, at and remained so posted for at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of
said meeting.
Jessica Brettle, City Secretary
Minutes of the
Georgetown Commission on Aging
City of Georgetown, Texas
June 15, 201.5
The City of Georgetown Commission on Aging met on June 15, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety
Facility, located at 3500 DB Wood Road, Georgetown, TX 78633.
The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If
you require assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA,
reasonable assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the
City Secretary's Office, at least four (4) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or
City Hall at 113 East 8`h Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Session
(This Regular session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose
authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A. Call to Order
Chairman Tim O'Neill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Six Board members were present.
Board members Gary Anderson, Virginia Hahn and Donna Livingston were absent. Also present were
Staff Liaison Fire Chief John Sullivan and Staff Liaison Office Specialist Linda White.
Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine items that may be acted upon with
one single vote. An item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda in order that it be discussed and acted
upon individually as part of the Regular Agenda.
B. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the meeting held on May 18,
2015. Under Item D, the fourth sentence should read as "Based on the Georgetown Aging
Initiative Summary report findings, services the Board would like to implement, with
transportation given the highest priority, and the other items listed in no particular order." Gene
Jantzen made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 18, 2015 as amended. Virginia
Lazenby seconded the motion, which the Board approved unanimously.
Regular Agenda
The Commission will individually consider and possibly take action on any or all of the following items:
C. Discussion of transportation needs and options for the over 60 age Georgetown population
with Ms. Rita Handley, of Faith in Action, Nat Waggoner, Georgetown Transportation
Analyst and Michelle Meaux, Regional Contact for Capital Metro. Mr. Waggoner and Ms.
Meaux, in addition to discussing with the Commission the Draft Transportation Development
Plan, they incorporated a power point presentation of the plan. The Commission members were
given the opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentation. Ms. Handley shared that the
purpose of the Georgetown Faith in Action Caregivers is to ensure the delivery of necessary health
and social services to the elderly in Georgetown in order to help seniors maintain independence
and a quality of life. Dan Bonner moved that the Commission on Aging endorse the transit
plan to the Transportation Committee. Virginia Lazenby seconded the motion. Further
discussions continued. From the discussions, Chairman Tim O'Neill formulated the following list
that the Commission on Aging would like to see the Transportation Committee incorporate into
the overall transit plan: 1) public/non-profit partnership, 2) shelters, 3) access to private parking
lots for easier pick-up and drop-off of bus passengers, 4) special outreach to seniors in marketing,
and 5) take into account the living means of seniors in establishing transportation fares. Mr.
O'Neill asked the Commission if it was their desire to amend the previous motion and to
entertain an amended motion that incorporates the five items as discussed. Four Board
members said "yes" (Dan Bonner, Virginia Lazenby, Patricia Strickland, and Josephine
Zamora). One Board member said "No" (Gene Jantzen). Mr. Jantzen expressed that the
charge given to this Commission was to represent the over 60 age population and he is uncertain if
the percent of Georgetown's over 60 age population can truly utilize this public transportation plan
as presented to the Board this evening. Discussion occurred. Josephine Zamora moved to
reconsider the previous motion. Gene Jantzen seconded the motion. The motion failed by 2
(Zamora and Jantzen) to 3 (Bonner, Lazenby and Strickland).
D. Possible discussion of Commission's recommendations to the Georgetown City Council
about the proposed transportation plan. At this time the Commission will not make any
recommendation to the Georgetown City Council about the proposed transportation plan. The
Commission will conduct further studies of the transportation needs of the 60+ age group. Dan
Bonner and Virginia Hahn will attend future Transportation Committee meetings.
E. Discussion and approval of future agenda items. Discussion took place regarding the future agenda
items.
Adjournment
The next Board meeting will be Monday, July 20, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., at the Public Safety Facility, 3500
DB Wood Road, Georgetown, Texas.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. on a motion by Gene Jantzen, seconded by Virginia Lazenby, which
the Board approved unanimously.
Tim O'Neill, Chairman
Georgetown Commission on Aging
Patricia Strickland, Secretary
Georgetown Commission on Aging
TOPIC: Transportation and Senior Citizens in Georgetown, TX
TEAM: Dan Bonner and Ginny Hahn
APPROACH: Identify problem and issues
Research available resources
Identify gaps
Propose options
Scope of Problem:
1. Wesleyan 2012 survey identified lack of transportation as the most frequently mentioned
area of concern to seniors age 65 and older in Georgetown. "Respondents recognized that as
they age, their ability to provide their own transportation will decline. They noted that there
is a lack of access to public transportation and that private transportation is costly."
2. Georgetown population statistics (US Census Bureau 2010) show a 2013 estimate of 54,898.
2010 census reported that 25.7% were people 65 and older (compared to a state-wide elderly
statistic of 10.3%). 21.7% of Georgetown were Hispanic, and 3.68% African American.
3. More than 20 percent of Americans age 65 and older don't drive, according to an analysis of
the federal government's National Household Travel Survey by AARP's Public Policy Institute.
4. Items 2 and 3 would suggest that in Georgetown we have:
o Approx. 14,000 over age 65 seniors in Georgetown today
o Approx. 3,000 of them are NOT driving (NOTE: FIAC has 482 clients)
o Approx. 700 of them are living in local independent living facilities (research has
average size of facility at @ 128 residents; we have 5 such facilities that we know of).
5. According to the same AARP analysis, men typically outlive their driving days by seven years;
women outlive theirs by 10.
6. "Currently nationwide, there are about 8.4 million senior citizens who depend on others for
their transportation. Shortly, the number of older drivers will more than double, making the
issue of senior transportation even more critical. In fact, according to the Administration on
Aging, by the year 2030 the number of drivers over age 85 will be 4-5 times what it is today.
Because America's roads and automobiles are not designed for the existing elderly
population —and because the skills and abilities associated with driving tend to diminish with
age —viable alternate forms of transportation for the elderly will continue to be an important
issue for years to come." (From National Caregivers Library)
General transportation Options:
There are three general types of transportation for the elderly, including door-to-door, fixed route,
and ridesharing:
• Fixed route or scheduled services transport elderly individuals between fixed stops on a route.
For this reason, reservations are not required, although a small fee is often charged for each
1
ride.
• Door-to-door, or demand response, is a system where advance reservations are made to take
an elderly individual from one place to another. Normally these services provide comfort and
flexibility, and charge a small fee.
• Ridesharing programs coordinate rides for elderly persons with someone who has automobile
space. Ridesharing is scheduled and involves a specific destination such as medical
appointments, nutrition sites, places of employment, or senior centers.
Unfortunately for some older adults, some of the same skills and abilities that are
associated with driving are required for the safe use of many alternate transportation
methods.
In Georgetown, we have some of these options:
1. CARTS already offers both fixed route and demand response, but it is limited.
2. Faith in Action Caregivers offers door to door service. It serves about 500 clients and offered
over 5000 rides in 2014
3. Uber has recently started up in Georgetown. Have no data yet on its ridership or cost.
4. The various independent living facilities have their own vans and buses that are exclusively for
their residents. According to one facility, they have a van taking their residents to Austin two
days a week for doctors appointments and on two other days the van makes 4 scheduled runs
around Georgetown for resident doctor appointments and errands. Van typically carries 8 —
10 passengers per trip.
Where research is needed:
• 2012 local survey included a very small response from minority communities. We believe we
need to capture data from these groups for each of our Commission Task Forces, not just
Transportation
• We are still pursuing detailed statistics regarding the transportation services provided at our
local Independent Living facilities. Believe it would be useful for our work to see what they
find the needs of seniors to be (frequency, duration, issues) and the costs to provide service.
• We are in the process of contacting the 4 specific transportation options mentioned in AARP's
study (see last page) to learn more about their service, metrics and cost.
Opportunities for Action:
• Actively encourage and support the expansion of Faith in Action Caregivers program
• Vigorously support the current Georgetown Transportation Department proposal to expand
CARTS
• Develop initiative / work with private transportation companies to expand their support for
seniors
• Encourage / support businesses to provide or pay for or otherwise subsidize senior
transportation (i.e. Downtown District Van, Wolf Ranch Van, Round Rock Outlet Van, Sun City
Van)
• Learn more about the feasibility, likelihood, availability, cost of "driverless" cars
2
Specific transportation options in Georgetown currently (2015):
Resource
Scope
Service Area
Cost to
FED
Ride Statistics
Notes
seniors
$
Faith in
By -appointment
Clients in
No charge
Yes
482 clients
Need 3 days
Action
rides to medical
Georgetown
Donations
5152 rides
notice
Caregivers
& personal appts.
Rides as far as
welcome
288 other
Not wheelchair
and errands
40 miles
support svcs.
capable
Volunteer drivers
Up to 2 trips
11,650 vol. hrs
per week
CARTS
Demand
Georgetown
$1 each way
Yes
Call to schedule
Response
8:00 — 4:30 M-F
Paid drivers
Wheelchair
capable
CARTS
Fixed regional
Georgetown
$1.50 fare
Yes
8942
$312k yearly cost
route transit
area with
proposed
passengers
$36 cost per
Paid drivers
connections
1.07
passenger
to wider area
passengers
2 routes each
per trip
north & south
Caring
Private car
Georgetown +
Local @ $15
No
Cannot take
Hands
service
to $20
motorized
Longer @ $30
wheelchairs
- $85
Hison Cab
Private taxi
No
G'twn Limo
Private Limo
Georgetown
$2.50 per
No
By appointment
and
mile
surrounding
$15 minimum
areas
For G'town
area
15% Gratuity
Scott &
Van service
Specific local
No charge to
?
Regular
White Van
between Sun City
anyone using
dailyscheduled
clinic and S&W
service
route
RR hospital
Wesleyan
Van or bus
Austin Dr.
Only for
2 vehicles —
Scheduled route
Vans
service for rides
appts. 2
residents of
van & bus
@ 8 riders per
to appointments,
days/wk
home
4 round trips
trip
errands and
Local 2
per day
excursions
days/wk
Next steps:
• Evaluate data from upcoming survey
• Report back on findings from the four models below
• Finish data collection from local Independent Living facilities
• Propose specific initiatives
3
Listed below are four innovative initiatives around the country (AARP article) that are getting
nondrivers where they need to be. Our plan is to contact each one of these and learn of their
experiences:
California: SilverRide
At this San Francisco -based, for -profit transportation company — now expanding into
Southern California — drivers are also real companions.
How It Works: The company first meets clients and learns about their interests, often
planning outings around them. Drivers may take a client to run errands and then have lunch
together. Or pick up one friend at a senior community, another at a private home and go see
a movie. Once a week, the company has a group event, such as a barbecue in the park.
Cofounder Jeff Maltz says SilverRide (415-861-7433) is "about a repeat experience." Rides
average $85 round trip, no tipping.
Dashboard: Since 2007, SilverRide has provided more than 150,000 outings for 3,200-plus
clients. Seventy percent of the time, drivers join riders in activities. Average rider age: 85.
The Talk: SilverRide has accolades galore, including the 2009 American Society on Aging
national Business of the Year award. "We enable clients to have meaningful experiences
outside the home and continue to lead normal lives," says Maltz.
Jason Laveglia, 47, a Web consultant in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a long-distance caregiver to his
mother, Ila Dicks, 75. Neither he nor his brother could be in San Francisco for her recent
birthday, so they had SilverRide take her to lunch and arrange for a cake. The driver sent
photos to Laveglia's phone of Dicks blowing out the candles. The company gives families a
trip report not only about the outings, but also about the client's mood and any concerns. "I
get a 360 view of what happened, and feel like I'm in the loop," Laveglia says. "It's peace of
mind that she can have the freedom and I know that she's safe."
South Carolina: Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG)
Located in Aiken County, S.C., the Lower Savannah Council of Governments (1-866-845-
1550) is a one -stop resource center helps solve transportation quandaries and other aging -
related issues.
How It Works: Residents can call the center and ask a mobility manager about a bus
schedule, get help with directions or request a specific trip.
Dashboard: The center fields more than 12,000 calls annually in the popular retirement area;
while the general population grew by 12 percent from 2000 to 2010, the 60-plus demographic
increased 44.2 percent. Municipalities nationwide are interested in replicating the model.
The Talk: "If you need transit help, you probably need other things to live an engaged,
independent life in your community," says Lynnda Bassham, director of human services for
LSCOG.
One year, a daughter called wanting to get her mother from a nursing home to a family
Thanksgiving dinner but couldn't fit a wheelchair into her car. Mobility manager Rhonda
Mitchell found an ambulance company to transport her mom for a small fee. "Most calls are
from people who don't qualify for Medicaid and need transportation to medical appointments,"
says Mitchell. "While we're talking, we let them know of services for personal use, too. It
seems to lift their burden."
4
Maryland: Ride Partners
Ride Partners (410-544-4800), part of the nonprofit Partners in Care Maryland, is an all -
volunteer program that covers rural, urban and suburban areas.
How It Works: The program runs on a time bank system. Drivers get credit for "chauffeuring"
and can dip into the bank if they need a ride. Passengers give back, if able, and get bank
credit, too. They might answer the office phone, bake for an open house, knit clothing for the
organization's boutique or volunteer there.
Dashboard: 2,300 members ages 50 to 105; 400 drivers and 9,000 rides covering more than
100,000 miles a year.
The Talk: "No matter how old people are, they have talents they can share," says Barbara
Huston, president and CEO of Partners in Care Maryland. "The way drivers and riders
participate makes everyone equal." Christine Jennings, 57, never drove and was dependent
on cabs when she needed back surgery. Ride Partners began taking her to the doctor. "This
program saves me a lot of money," says Jennings, "and makes me feel secure knowing
someone is waiting for me."
South Dakota: River Cities Public Transit (RCPT)
River Cities Public Transit (605-945-2360), a private, nonprofit outfit in a mostly rural, 11-
county area in South Dakota includes Pierre, the capital, and the Lower Brule and Cheyenne
River Sioux Indian reservations. Rides run 24/7 around Pierre, four job shuttles transport
commuters up to 80 miles away.
How It Works: On workdays, rural commuters meet and ride in a van or small bus to the city
($3 to $9 round trip). During the day, the vehicles take children to activities or, for $1.55 ($1 if
60-plus), transport older adults to senior centers, nutrition programs and other venues.
Dashboard: In 10 years, ridership has quadrupled.
The Talk: "Our service is life-saving and life -enhancing," says Ron Baumgart, RCPT's
executive director. Riders can get a lift to dialysis, plan to work late or see a grandchild in an
evening play. Five days a week, Judy Rada, 62, gets picked up at her apartment at 6 a.m.
and driven to her job at Wal-Mart. Then RCPT brings her home at 4 p.m. "It's awesome —
they help me right into my building," says Rada, who uses a wheelchair. "I wouldn't survive
without this service."
5
6/23/2015
Gmail - Neighborhood Alert System
Neighborhood Alert System
Gene Jantzen <
Draft
Gene Jantzen <
Tue, Jun 23, 2015 at 12:35 PM
To all Commissioners,
This is a subject that I have been interested in for some years now as our city has grown especially, the Sun
City community, now well over 7000 rooftops housing over 12,000 residents.
Having lived in the community for the past 17 years I'm aware of the need for an organized system to alert
residerts in our neighborhoods of emergencies and life -threatening dangers and in extreme situations the
preparedness for ultimate evacuation to safer environments.
Long ago the Boy Scouts of America coined the phrase, "Be Prepared." True today, having a plan and having
confidence that the plan will work can spell the difference in our resulting safety or suffering tragedy.
ThE: spectrum of need can range from a simple "watch out" for snakes and other critters, to 'an F5 tornado is
looming upon us.' How these alerts are communicated is part of the overall need for planning. Sun City
res dents, for example, have varying degrees of understanding, issues of hearing, some physical deficiencies,
not to mention 'attitudes.' We move at our own pace once we decide it's a good idea to do so.
When a plan is in place it must be well communicated, over and over, with regular 'drills' at regular intervals.
That's preparedness! It's NOT to have someone craft an 'Emergency Manual' to sit on a dusty shelf. Rather, it's
an "Action Plan" that all residents know what they are to do when.
I have a tremendous respect for the plan in place at Sun City today and will briefly share it with you following.
While not perfect it IS A WORK IN PROGRESS with new techniques and ideas
incorporated constantly. I took time to interview one of our most active and experienced members of the Sun
City Emergency Management Team, responsible for the alert planning for
all of the community, Ken Tupacz, who happens to be my next door neighbor. He began as our Neighborhood
43 EMT representative and is a retired military officer.
You wll find his brief remarks on the following pages meant to stimulate your thinking and hopefully your
agreement that such preparedness is a need that far reaches beyond Sun City.
It will take work and planning but with help from the many trained professionals already in Georgetown we could
see the day that our citizens will be better prepared than ever and glad they call Georgetown 'home.'
Gene Jantzen, Realtor
Cell 512.864.5339
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teamjantzencentury2l
https:Hmail.google.com/mail/UO/?ui=2&i k=63foec3o4e&view=pt&search=drafts&msg=14e217d723563ed1 &dsgt= l &sim l=14e217d723563ed1 1 2
More
Evacuation Organization rbox x
Ken Tupacz 8:01 PM (16 hours ago)
to me
Hi Gene,
Reference our conversation on the subject item, a neighborhood(s) may consider organizing as follows.
Generally speaking three things are needed:
I - An authority to order evacuations, open evacuation facilities; insure proper set up of facilities and control
the operations. In SC, this is accomplished by the Crisis Management Team (CMT) which operates the Incident
Command Center. It consists of 7 members as follows: 3 from CA (this includes Jim Romine who acts as
primary Executive); 2 Board members - their purpose is to improve emergency funding should it be necessary; 2
Emergency Management Committee (EMC) members (Chair and Vice Chair).
2 - A team of volunteers to staff the evacuation centers. We use volunteers for: traffic control (COPS);
staffing the evacuation center station(s) which provide shelter for folks just needing a temporary place to get out
of the elements; staffing first aid station(s) and pet center(s). We also utilize the services of Sun City Amateur
Radio Society (SCARS) volunteers to assist with communication between facilities and the Incident Command
Center which is staffed by the CMT mentioned above.
3 - Adequate facilities providing temporary shelter for evacuees. Available to SC evacuees are: The CA
Ballroom, the Activity Center, the Oaks, the Cowan Creek Amenity Center and, if need be, the Worship Place.
The CA Ballroom houses the Incident Command Center a small First Aid station, SCARS volunteers, and space for
evacuees without injuries nor pets. The Activity Center is the primary First Aid Station; the Oaks is used as a
Pet Center (soon to change with the start of a food and beverage operation). The Cowan Creek Amenity Center
provides space for evacuees, first aid, ,a SCARS volunteer, and a small pet shelter - all services housed under
one roof. We have yet to use the Worship place as an evacuation facility so at this time I'm not certain what
evacuation services would be provided at that site.
That's the general program Gene. Let me know if you have any questions, need additional information or wish to
discuss further.
Hope it's helpful.
Ken Tupacz 8:06 PM (16 hours ago)
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Ken Tupacz 8:01 PM (16 hours ago)
Hi Gene Reference our conversation on the subject item, a neighborhood(s) ma .
Ken Tupacz 8:06 PM (16 hours ago)
to me
Gene,
I would add a 4th category - adequate supplies to include such things as first aid items, possibly emergency ball
caps and vests for volunteers, administrative supplies for insuring all evacuees using the facilities sign in and out.
It's very important to know the names of evacuees inside the facilities (all need to sigh in) and they must sign
out should they depart. Also to be considered would be such things as flashlights, a chalkboard for the Incident
Command Center, writing implements, etc.
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Subject: Evacuation Organization
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2015 18:01:34 -0700
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Linda White
From: Gene Jantzen <
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 12:54 PM
To: Linda White
Subject: Fwd: Scanned from a Xerox multifunction device
Attachments: Scanned from a Xerox multifunction device.pdf
Hi, Linda,
Would you please send these pages to all Commissioners on Aging with appropriate copies to those who need
them to comply with our governing rules.
This is information regarding the asset task I was assigned recently by our Chairman.
gene
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <
Date: Tue, Jun 23, 2015 at 12:51 PM
Subject: Scanned from a Xerox multifunction device
To: Gene Jantzen <
Please open the attached document. It was scanned and sent to you using a Xerox multifunction device.
Attachment File Type: pdf, Multi -Page
multifunction device Location: machine location not set
Device Name: XRX9C934E I DAE45
For more information on Xerox products and solutions, please visit http://www.xerox.com
Gene Jantzen, Realtor
Cell 512.864.5339
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teamiantzencentury21
A Native Texan
Licensed to practice Real Estate in
The Great State of Texas
lic # 524971
i
Dental Care Assets for Georgetown Seniors
The Summary Report for the 2011 AdvantAge [sic] Initiative Community Survey identified
"affordable dental care" as the "most frequently identified area of health concern" by its over 60
age Georgetown respondents (p. 4). The survey is a non -randomized sample and there is no
indication of how high dental care ranks in the priorities of the respondents. While "affordable"
seems to be the key word, it is not defined. A more scientific survey should ask for such a
prioritization and definition.
This preliminary report assesses what are the resources available for seniors seeking affordable
dental care. In brief there are some but not substantial dental resources for low income or
underinsured seniors.
Governmental Resources
Medicare (Parts A and B)
The major health supplier for seniors over 65 (Medicare) states that
Medicare doesn't cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings,
fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. Medicare Part
A (Hospital Insurance) will pay for certain dental services that you get when you're in a
hospital. Part A can pay for inpatient hospital care if you need to have emergency or
complicated dental procedures, even though the dental care isn't covered. [Medicare.gov]
Medicareinteractive.org (http://www.medicareinteractive.org/page2.php?topic=counselor
&page=script&script_id=1591) elaborates on what is and is not covered.
"Medicare will pay for dental services if, for example
• you receive an oral examination in the hospital because you will be having a kidney
transplant or in a rural or federally qualified health clinic before a heart valve
replacement;
• you have a disease that involves the jaw (like oral cancer) and need dental services that
are necessary for radiation treatment;
• you had a facial tumor removed and had ridge reconstruction (reconstruction of part of
the jaw) as part of that procedure;
• you need surgery to treat fractures of the jaw or face;
• you need dental splints and wiring as a result of jaw surgery.
1
``While Medicare may pay for these initial dental services, Medicare will not pay for any more
follow-up dental care after the underlying health condition has been treated. For example, if
Medicare paid for a tooth to be removed (extracted) as part of surgery to repair a facial injury
you got in a car accident, it will not pay for any other dental care you may need later because you
had the tooth removed.
"Medicare will pay for some dental -related hospitalizations, for example, if
you develop an infection after having a tooth pulled;
you require observation during a dental procedure because you have a health -threatening
condition.
"Note: Medicare will cover the costs of hospitalization (including room and board, anesthesia,
and x-rays). It will not cover the dentist fee for treatment or fees for other physicians, such as
radiologists or anesthesiologists.
"While Medicare may pay for in -patient hospital care in these circumstances, Medicare will
never cover any dental care specifically excluded from Original Medicare (Le, dentures), even if
you are in the hospital."
These sources make clear that Medicare will only cover only extraordinary dental needs.
Medicare supplement plans such as Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) may cover dental
care. Seniors can also purchase regular dental insurance.
Medicaid
Medicaid has stringent requirements and is intended for children, people on disabilities, and low
income seniors.
States have flexibility to determine what dental benefits are provided to adult Medicaid enrollees.
While most states provide at least emergency dental services for adults, less than half of the
states currently provide comprehensive dental care.
Texas offers STAR+PLUS, a Medicaid program for people who have disabilities or are low
income adults age 65 or older. People in STAR+PLUS get Medicaid basic medical services and
long-term services through a managed care plan. Williamson County is served by Amerigroup
and UnitedHealthCare Community Plan. UnitedHealthCare does provide one dental visit and
cleaning per year and discounted fees for other services. Amerigroup does not.
Private For -Profit Resources
A Google search found 87 listed dental offices in Georgetown. Since several of these offices
employ more than one dentist, the number of actual dentist is likely over 100. Anecdotal reports
2
(a non -randomized telephone survey of ten listed dental offices) found that most Georgetown
dentists offer discounted fees for low income seniors.
Private Non -Profit Resources
There are some non-profit organizations offering free or discounted dental care in Central Texas.
St. David's Dental Program's primary objective is to provide free dental care to disadvantage
children at Title I schools. It also provides services to eligible adults, mostly during the summer
months, at select local clinics and social service organizations. The Foundation does not
currently work with a Georgetown social service group and does not serve Georgetown.
The Lone Star Circle of Care is the only permanent dental clinic in Williamson County for the
uninsured and underinsured. Budgetary problems resulted in an 80% reduction in dental services
over the last two years. There is currently (June 2015) a six to eight month wait list for new
patients.
The Texas Mission of Mercy is sponsored by the Texas Dental Association. TMOM "is a
mobile dental clinic that travels around the state providing basic dental care (including cleanings,
fillings, or extractions), free of charge, to uninsured Texans. Treatment provided at a TMOM is
focused on relieving pain." (https://www.tdasmiles.org/ Programs/Texas-Mission-of-Mercy-
TMOM) TMOM's schedule does not currently list a mobile clinic visit to central Texas but has
visited in the past.
Possible Conclusions and Recommendations
Seniors who have transportation and financial resources have several options for dental care.
Seniors in nursing homes are sometimes covered by Texas Medicaid for basic procedures. All
other seniors are dependent on over -extended non -profits for their dental services if they cannot
afford to pay their dental costs or are in the United HealthCare (Medicaid) Plan.
The City of Georgetown might explore working with other neighboring communities to support
Lone Star Circle of Care's efforts to get its dental services back to where they were in 201
before the cutbacks.
Georgetown's pending transit plan should include access to dental offices for the mobility
impaired.
Georgetown citizens might wish to contact their state legislators and seek an expansion of
Medicaid dental services for eligible recipients.
Seniors who can afford to do so should seek Medicare supplemental or dental insurance to cover
part of their dental expenses.
Finally, local dentists might work with a local service agency to identify seniors who do not have
the financial resources to fund some or all of their dental needs and provide pro bono aid.
4
Survey Update
Submitted by Josie Zamora
AdvantAge Survey:
• Permission to use Georgetown Survey Monkey account was granted to the Commission on Aging by
Karen Frost from the City Planning Department
• Contacted Ms. Oberlink to obtain a Spanish version of the survey
• Spanish version of the survey has been obtained
• English version of the survey has been entered onto Survey Monkey
• Mia Oberlink
Senior Research Associate
Center for Home Care Policy and Research
VNSNY
1250 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212-609-1537
www.advantageinitiative.org
www.ciaip.org
• Contacted Erin Vanlandingham from Family Elder Care in Austin. She plans to attend the July 20th
meeting. She will be accompanied by the CEO Kent Herring. Family Elder Care was the agency with the
grant that spearheaded the Georgetown Aging Initiative. She expressed interest in partnering with us on
conducting the second survey. I informed her our board does not have any funds to pay any agency to
help with the survey.
• Created a list of Faith Based Organizations using the Georgetown Newspaper. The zip codes are color
coded to highlight the number of churches in each zip code
Zip codes: 78626, 78633 and 78628
Draft a letter asking pastors or a representative of the church to attend one of the COA meetings.
The goal is to present the reason for survey and the need of their help to capture seniors from
different zip codes of the city
Suggest placing an add in the Georgetown Sun to inform the public of the survey and requesting
senior participation
• Drafted a letter to the following universities asking for graduate students to help with conducting the
survey and focus groups at different locations throughout the city
Mary Hardin Baylor
Southwestern University
UT Austin nursing and psychology department
Thank you,
Josie Zamora