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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_COA_08.15.2016Minutes of the Georgetown Commission on Aging City of Georgetown, Texas August 15, 2016 The City of Georgetown Commission on Aging met on August 15, 2016 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 8s' 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 Gene Jantzen, Chairman of the Board, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Eight Board members were present with Valerie Nicholson absent, thus constituting a quorum. Also present was Staff Liaison Fire Chief John Sullivan and Staff Liaison Office Specialist Linda White. Statutory 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 July 18, 2016 — Gene Jantzen, Board Chair. Dan Bonner moved to approve the minutes from the July 18, 2016 meeting. Tiffany Enos moved to second the motion, which the Board approved unanimously. (8-0) Legislative Regular Agenda The Commission will individually consider and possibly take action on any or all of the following items: C. Presentation and discussion regarding the Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute with emphasis on services provided in caring for senior citizens 65+ age group — Joe Rodriguez, CEO. Mr. Rodriguez introduced Ellen Paine, Director of Social Services, also Andrea Miller, Director of Out - Patient Services, as well as Dr. Rhonda Rodriguez, medical provider at the institute. Mr. Rodriguez stated the Mary Faith Sterk who is the Director of Business Development would be joining the group shortly. Mr. Rodriguez explained that the Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute is a 188 -bed behavioral health hospital that offers outpatient and inpatient services to provide care to adults and teens with a range of mental health conditions as well as substance abuse problems. A person can contact the institute themselves, be referred by physicians, clergy, counselors/therapists, and/or by their family/care givers. There are 22 beds designated for geriatric patients. The age group of 65+ is the fastest growing population in the U.S. with rates of suicide due to depression, feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, and being immobile. The aging population becomes disconnected with today's culture and society. The challenge within our culture is to assist this aging population in accepting and adjusting to technology and day to day life making decisions. Each patient assessment is conducted by a licensed mental health Commission on Aging August 15, 2016 professional and assists in determining the appropriate treatment level of care. During the assessment, the licensed mental health professional will gather details regarding concerns and current physical, psychological and emotional health of the person. Assessments are reviewed with a board-certified psychiatrist who will make treatment recommendations, always advising the least restrictive level of care. Upon admission each patient receives an individualized, effective treatment plan conducted by physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, recreational therapists and case workers. If after the initial assessment it is determined the person is not in need of admission, the Assessment and Referral Clinician will provide a written list of outside professionals and/or programs and services. The institute offers a traditional psychiatric Intensive Outpatient Program (meets 3 days per week) and a Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program. D. Presentation and discussion of pre -hospital medical services and needs within the Georgetown community — John Sullivan, Fire Chief, Georgetown Fire Department. Chief Sullivan gave an overview of types and numbers of medical transports and trends, as well as involving citizen assistance with a few programs. E. Status report from each of the Priority Initiatives: Communication, Transportation, Dental Care, Affordable Housing, Mental Health — Board members Transportation: Dan Bonner and Ginny Hahn — expressed the need to somehow assist Faith in Action in attracting volunteers to provide transportation for the senior citizens. Sun City is conducting a Volunteer Workshop on September 27" and hoping the event will attract additional transportation providers for Faith in Action. Dental: Bill Dalton and Patricia Strickland — continue working with and trying to implement the various points of the 10 -Point Plan of "Georgetown Smiles". Housine: Virginia Lazenby and Donna Livingston — The Capital Area Aging and Disability Resource Center has scheduled Accessible and Affordable Housing Focus Groups, within four counties, August 22"d-25". Virginia and Donna will be attending the focus group scheduled for Williamson County on August 251. Mental Health: Gene Jantzen — will schedule an appointment with Mary Faith Sterk, Director of Business Development, Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute, to visit further about the institute and to gather brochures to bring to the Commission on Aging. F. Discussion of future agendas and priorities — Gene Jantzen, Board Chair. Fire Chief Sullivan was asked to advise the Board as to when to schedule a time for the Board to present an update on their activities to the Georgetown City Council during an upcoming workshop. Chief Sullivan will advise the Board. Bill Dalton suggested to begin inviting City Council members to the Commission on Aging monthly meetings. Council members could give an overview of their individual districts and in tum, make suggestions on how best the Commission could help serve the needs of the senior citizens in their districts. Adjournment The next Board meeting will be Monday, September 19, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., at the Public Safety Facility, 3500 DB Wood Road, Georgetown, Texas. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m, on a motion by Dan Bonner, seconded by -Bill Dalton, which the Board approved unanimously. (8-0) / ene J zen, C airman 0 Patricia Strickland, Secretary Georget6wn Commission on Aging Georgetown Commission on Aging Commission on Aging August 15, 2016