Area Agency on Aging Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania Counties Volume V, Issue 4
Advocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging
November 2010 - January 2011
Governor Perdue Explains State Aging Initiative To North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature
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he North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature welcomed Governor Beverly Perdue to their final meeting of 2010. The Governor accepted a special award from the delegation for her service and support on aging issues. Throughout the meeting, the Governor and subsequent speakers addressed three topics including future challenges with an aging population, changes in government budgets, and a call to the upcoming Conference on Aging. The Governor acknowledged the diligent work of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) in supporting and protecting programs within the aging network including Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) and the Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG). “We face several challenges as we age, the same challenges that many older adults face now,” explained the Governor, “I believe home care and community care are the options we should all fight for.” As the state prepares its budget, leaders will have to make some difficult decisions, consolidate programs, focus on core services, and re-organize government. The Governor’s 2011 budget will be sent to the General Assembly by January. During the second day of the meeting, Dennis Streets, Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services, stated that STHL advocacy efforts have made a difference in growing and sustaining aging programs. Mr. Streets encouraged the STHL to support the Governor’s Aging Initiative by attending the Conference on Aging on October 13th – 15th in Durham. The conference, titled Building a Livable and Senior Friendly North Carolina, is one of three components to the Aging Initiative. Other components include data gathered from several policy roundtables that were held throughout the state earlier this year. In addition, Mr. Streets noted that Executive Order 54 calls for an assessment of the State’s readiness for an aging population. So far, all 48 state agencies have participated in the assessment. All three parts will be used to develop an aging plan for the next ten years. The STHL promotes citizen involvement and advocacy concerning aging issues before the General Assembly and assesses the legislative needs of older adults by convening a forum modeled after the North Carolina General Assembly. It is during these forums that the STHL establish priorities for the upcoming years. During this final meeting for the year, Senior Tar Heels chose five new priorities to send to the General Assembly in 2011. The legislative priorities for the STHL are listed in the block on the right. One delegate and one alternate represent every older adult in the state’s 100-counties. Call us at 251-6622 if you would like to contact a STHL delegate or alternate from our region. Also visit the STHL Web site at www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/sthl.htm. Charles Dickens - Buncombe County Delegate Donald Lilenfeld - Buncombe County Alternate Calvin Titus - Henderson County Delegate Jack Roberts - Madison County Delegate Mary Evans - Madison County Alternate Delores Stroup - Transylvania County Delegate
Website: www.landofsky.org/aging
2011 Legislative Priorities • Provide funding to sustain Project C.A.R.E. • Increase funding for the Home Community Care Block Grant by $5 million. • Increase funding for senior centers by an additional $2 million in recurring funds. • Provide Dental Care for North Carolina’s Adult Special Care Population. • Mandate pre-employment and random drug testing for employees of nursing and assisted living facilities.
Phone: 828-251-6622
Family Caregiver Support Program November is National Family Caregiver Month
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and-of-Sky Regional Council, along with numerous national organizations, major corporations and community-based groups around the country, will celebrate National Family Caregivers Month (NFC Month) in November to thank and support our nation’s family caregivers.
According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), in any given year over 65 million people provide some level of caregiving services. Those services are valued at more than $375 billion dollars a year for those caring for older adults. Family caregivers provide more than 80% of all home care services. Of today’s family caregivers, 40% provide some level of nursing support. American businesses can lose billions each year due to employees’ need to Over 80% of home care services are provided by family care for loved ones 50 years of age or older.
Year of the Family Caregiver
caregivers with 40% of them providing some level of nursing support, including wound and medication management.
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ovember 2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), a program that has served caregivers throughout the U.S. In recognition of the vital role of caregivers, the Administration on Aging (AoA) has created a new Web site that celebrates caregivers and allows for submittal of written and video testimonials. In addition, a 10th Anniversary celebration will take place in Washington, DC on November 17th and AoA encourages partners to add their caregiver related events to a calendar on this Web site. In a recent national survey, 81% of caregivers interviewed said that NFCSP allowed them to care for their loved ones longer and avoid more costly and restrictive placement in an institution. For more information about the Family Caregiver Support Program contact Carol McLimans, Family Caregiver Resource Specialist, at 251-6622 or email at carol@landofsky.org. Also, visit the new AoA Web site below.
National Family Caregivers Month (NFC Month) is observed every November and is a nationally recognized month that seeks to draw attention to the many challenges facing family caregivers, advocate for stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues, and raise awareness about community programs that support family caregivers. NFC Month is a time to thank, support, educate, and advocate for family caregivers.
Over the past decade the awareness about family caregivers and their needs has changed family caregiving from a private family situation to a societal issue. Today policy makers, employers, insurers, and healthcare professionals are beginning to address the concerns of family caregivers. Now it is important to continue to build on this awareness and promote meaningful action. Family caregiving is an issue for all of us. It has been said that there are only four kinds of people in the world — those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. None of us will be excluded. Take action this month by either yourself or with family members, friends, or members of your faith community to bring dinner to a caregiving family once a week, or provide respite time, leaf raking, or transportation. There are many ways to help. The goal is to take action and reach out to caregivers. Typically, family caregivers have great difficulty asking for help. You can make it easier for them to both ask for and accept help by offering something very specific and non-threatening such as the suggestions noted above. Don’t forget to say when you’ll bring the meal or rake the lawn. It will serve as a commitment the family caregiver can count on. A little bit of help can go a long way.
CelebratingFamilyCaregivers.org November 2010 - January 2011
Area Agency on Aging
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Calendar of Events November Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council, 11:30am - 1pm. 9 Veteran’s Day, Land-of-Sky Regional Council Office Closed. 11 12 Living Healthy Advisory Board Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council, 12 - 1:30pm.
16
Health Connections: Aging Well Learning Network Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council, 12 - 1:30pm.
17
Matter of Balance Class begins, Fletcher Park Inn, see page 5.
18
WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council, 11:30am - 1pm.
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The Art of Falling Workshop - Part One, Asheville Movement Center, 9:30am - 1pm, Unfortunately falls do happen, Part One will focus on strategies for recovering from a fall. $45, call 258-7220 to register.
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Pedestrian Safety Workshop: A Focus on Older Adults, NC Center for Creative Retirement, 1 - 4pm, RSVP to Nancy Walker at 257-4485 or email nancy.walker@ mahec.net by Nov 17.
25-26 Thanksgiving Holidays, Land-of-Sky Regional Council Office Closed. 30
Ombudsman Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Orientation, see page 7.
December 2
Ombudsman Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Orientation, see page 7.
24, 27 Christmas Holidays, Land-of-Sky Regional Council Office Closed. 31
New Year’s Day Observation, Land-of-Sky Regional Council Office Closed.
January 2011 11
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition begins, Park Ridge Health, see page 5.
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Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council
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Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition begins, Highland Farms, see page 5.
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The Art of Falling Workshop - Part Two, Asheville Movement Center, 9:30am - 1pm, Unfortunately falls do happen, Part Two will focus on falling gracefully. $45, call 258-7220 to register.
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Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day, Land-of-Sky Regional Council Office Closed.
Happy Holidays! from your Area Agency on Aging staff As pictured in the 2010 Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Annual Report, which is NOW AVAILABLE! Back row L-R: Christina Giles, Rebecca Chaplin, Carol McLimans, Terry Collins, Jennifer Atkinson, Brenda DelaCruz, Lee Ann Smith, Linda Kendall Fields. Seated L-R: Barbara Hinshaw, Joe Connolly, Margaret Stanley.
Impact of the Economic Crisis on HCCBG Services for Older Adults
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ome and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) services are available to people age 60 and older. HCCBG is administered through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and the Area Agency on Aging. It combines federal and state funds with a local match, and gives county commissioners discretion in budgeting and administering aging funds. The statewide network of HCCBG service providers was first surveyed in February 2009 to access service needs and learn about strategies and issues pertinent to meeting these needs. DAAS has resurveyed the network - most recently in April 2010. Of the 19 county-level HCCBG providers in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties; 17 responded for a response rate of 89.5%. “We desperately need an increase in HCCBG funding for In Home Services. We The results of this third survey reveal the effects of reduced funding levels continue to explain to the ‘powers that and the increased demand for HCCBG services. They also reflect anxiety about be’ the increase of cost to county, etc. future funding. Below are a few facts, comments, and concerns from our for those clients that might be placed in region’s survey. a facility, as opposed to increasing funds for in home services to enable clients to 686 - # of seniors on a waiting list for HCCBG services. remain in their own homes.” 800 - Estimated # of seniors needing services through HCCBG providers. 92 - % of seniors waiting for in-home aide services. “We have combined job descriptions with 2 - # of providers who received funds for housing and home improvement. current staff rather than hiring additional 29 - % of providers who reduced the # of days they operated and cut benefits. staff person.” 24 - % of providers who cut employees from full to part time.
November 2010 - January 2011
Area Agency on Aging
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Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
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ince the last newsletter, our circumstances have changed quite a bit. We have actually been awarded $380,932, and we have been expanded for this grant year to 37 Participant slots in Region B. That has meant an increase in all four counties as we continue to support those people who were in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act during 2009-10. I do not believe that we will enjoy such bounty in the next grant year, but I have my fingers crossed. This also means that Brenda DelaCruz, SCSEP Job Developer, is working 24 hours/week for the program, and I am working 28 hours/week for the program. This is an increase for both of us over last year. Hopefully, this will enable us to better pursue unsubsidized employment for our participants. Because of the increase in slots, we have added 3 new host agencies since July 1 (Asheville Humane Society and Liberty Corner Enterprises in Buncombe Co., and ESC in Transylvania Co.) We hope to add another host agency in Madison County later this October. We have moved one participant to another host agency in Buncombe Co., and we have added 2 new participants in Transylvania Co., one new participant in Henderson Co.. and 2 new participants in Buncombe Co. However, we have not filled all 37 slots, and we will need more host agencies and participants in the coming months if we are to pay out all our funding this year. So the effort to recruit participants and host agencies continues. After the joy of placing 7 people in unsubsidized employment last year (all but one, who moved out of the state, are still in their positions), we are hoping to meet that high number (or higher) of unsubsidized placements this year. We are off to a good beginning with one participant who was hired at Battery Park Apartments as a Maintenance worker, and who was shortly thereafter given a promotion to the Maintenance Supervisor of the entire apartment complex. We are very proud of Norman McGahee. May the rest of the year continue to bring such good news.
Congratulations Mr. McGahee!
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t was March of this year when U.S. Navy veteran Mr. Norman McGahee first came to Land-of-Sky Regional Council, seeking work to support himself and his two boys. Times were tough and jobs were scarce, but Norman worked with us to secure him a temporary position at Battery Park Apartments, one of our host agencies, helping the maintenance manager. Changes came quickly for him as he became one of the team. Soon he was stepping up to the maintenance manager position to replace his boss, who had decided to pursue other opportunities. This interview with Norman was one I relished. What a pleasure talking with someone who had actually experienced what SCSEP Title V is all about and how the program should work for those who participate in it. During the interview, Norman told me he had a good work ethic, perseverance and the idea that he could succeed if he didn’t give up. These were ethics taught to him by his mother whom he spoke of with great admiration. I came away with a renewed sense of pride for our SCSEP Title V program, for I had met someone who had succeeded in finding a good, stable job; The Essence Of What SCSEP Title V Is All About. Congratulations Mr. McGahee and Battery Park Apartments! Brenda DelaCruz, SCSEP Job Developer
Norman McGahee
Thank You, Active Aging Week Sponsors
Please, please – if you are interested in becoming a participant in SCSEP Title V, being an employer who wishes to higher one of our participants, or your non-profit or government agency wishes to join the many host agencies in our Region who help to keep this program viable – call Brenda or Jennifer at Land-ofSky Regional Council (828) 251-6622. You may also email me at Jennifer@landofsky.org. Jennifer Atkinson, SCSEP Coordinator
November 2010 - January 2011
Area Agency on Aging
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Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Leaves change easily ~ habits die hard!
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atch as the leaves change color naturally and fall away from the tree. If only releasing old habits and behaviors were as easy. Or is it?! Perhaps there is a human formula similar to nature’s formula.
We all know about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The research is clear - eating the right foods, participating in regular physical activity, being connected to the community, breathing with consciousness and positive thinking have positive impacts on health and quality of life. Knowledge, however, does not always translate to behavior. Behavior change is a good example of how the body and mind intersect; this may be one reason why human behavior change is more complex than leaf color changes. The leaves of deciduous trees have fewer choices and a simplified thought process. We humans, on the other hand, can literally think ourselves - into or out of changing our behavior. So how can we apply our mind to behavior change? Research suggests that “Directed Thinking” and “Self-Efficacy” are two effective strategies at using our mind to support behavior change. In short, directed thinking involves asking people to think about specific actions they can take about an informed topic. For example, a recent study reported in the Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research suggests that when sedentary college students listed specific actions to increase exercise performance they were more likely to increase exercise and improve cardiovascular health than those who were asked to list reasons to increase exercise. The Living Healthy Program Self-efficacy is another evidence-based theory to support behavior change. In short, selfuses directed thinking and efficacy = self confidence. With greater confidence in our ability to make changes, the more self-efficacy to help you likely we are to make and sustain those changes. make the behavior changes required to be in optimal To put it all together ~ Here are some suggestions to a formula for behavior change: health. • Create a goal that makes you feel happy. • Start small. Write down a reasonable actions that can be accomplished this week. Programs are regularly • Build on success! As you see success, create more short term goals - write them down! schedule in Buncombe, • Tell a friend about your goals and be accountable. Madison, Henderson and • If you do not achieve your goal, maintain a positive attitude and problem solve. Transylvania County. See • Regularly visualize yourself successfully completing your long-term goals. below for more details. • Use positive affirmations and self-talk to move you down the path. • Participate in the Living Healthy Program or a similar program that has been shown to help people make behavior changes required to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition
Matter of Balance Class
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o you have concerns about falling? A Matter of Balance can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels in older adults who have concerns.
Vanderbilt Apartments 75 Haywood Street, Asheville Thursdays, Nov 4 - Dec 16 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Fletcher Park Inn 150 Tulip Trail, Hendersonville (across from Park Ridge Health) Wednesdays and Fridays, Starting Nov 17 - Dec 17 9:00 - 11:00 am
Park Ridge Health 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville Tuesdays, Jan 11 - Feb 15 4:00 - 6:30 pm Highland Farms 200 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain Thursdays, Jan 13 - Feb 17 2:00 - 4:30 pm Contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438 to register.
November 2010 - January 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Call Sue Yingling at 684-2882 or Myra at 254-6373, ext 317.
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Ombudsman Overview An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf of, nursing and adult care home residents. They work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care.
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lthough it has been twenty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, people with disabilities are still fighting to enforce the ADA’s community integration mandate as articulated in Olmstead v. L.C. more than ten years ago. Adults with mental illness should be able to live in the least restrictive setting of their choice with SPECIAL REPORT appropriate supports. Yet, thousands of adults with mental illness in North Carolina find themselves with nowhere to go. In North Carolina, many live in adult care homes - large institutional settings for elderly individuals and adults with disabilities who may require 24-hour supervision and assistance with personal care needs. Over the past several months, Disability Rights NC has reviewed death and incident reports and, with the help of several UNC law students, visited fifteen adult care homes throughout North Carolina. What they found confirmed their suspicions in vibrant detail: adults in their twenties were living together with adults in their seventies; many facilities had 100% of residents with serious mental illness but offered no therapeutic or rehabilitative services; and many adult care home residents were subjected to stark institutional living environments. Permanent supportive housing allows persons with disabilities access to decent, safe, and affordable housing that is integrated into the community. Individually tailored and flexible supportive services are provided in the community setting. Nationwide and in North Carolina, supported housing is considered the “best practice” for housing people with disabilities because it is successful, cost-effective and promotes integration, consumer choice and dignity. Stable housing is a prerequisite for improved functioning for people with mental disabilities and a powerful motivator for people to seek and sustain treatment. On July 26, 2010, Disability Rights NC filed with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) a complaint against the State of North Carolina on behalf of all persons with mental illness living in Adult Care Homes in North Carolina. Through its complaint, Disability Rights NC has asked DOJ to investigate its claim that people with mental illness in North Carolina are being placed improperly in Adult Care Homes in violation of the integration mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act. DOJ will first determine if there is sufficient evidence for it to initiate an investigation. If DOJ conducts an independent investigation and finds merit to the claims made in the complaint, it can work with the State of North Carolina to effect policy changes to correct the civil rights violations or, if Who do you call with your necessary, file legal action against the State of North Carolina. Disability Rights NC is North Carolina’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system, charged by federal law to protect people with disabilities from abuse and neglect. Disability Rights NC will continue to monitor Adult Care Homes and to advocate for clients who are inappropriately placed there without adequate services and care. They hope the DOJ will assist us with tackling this issue more broadly.
*The Institute of Medicine’s Task Force on the Co-Location of Different Populations in Adult Care Homes (of which Barbara Hinshaw, Lead Ombudsman, and Bob Tomasulo, Buncombe County Adult Care Home CAC member, are participants) is also continuing its work in efforts to address the needs of mentally ill residents in Adult Care homes. Recommendations from the Task Force will be submitted to the NC General Assembly by January 2011. This report is adapted from the Disability Rights Special Report: August 2010 “Trapped in a Fractured System, People with Mental Illness in Adult Care Homes.”
www.DisabilityRightsNC.org November 2010 - January 2011
Area Agency on Aging
Long-Term Care Facility Concerns? 828-251-6622 OR 1-800-727-0557 Barbara Hinshaw
Buncombe & Transylvania Counties
Terry Collins Henderson & Madison Counties
Lee Ann Smith Buncombe County
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Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Welcome New CAC Members
CAC Meeting Calendar
Welcome: Mary Euler to the Buncombe County NH CAC Patricia Brogan, Wil Irvine, Mary Kelly, Linda Sprinkle and Harold Throne to the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC Shelley Green to the Transylvania County ACH/NH CAC
Buncombe County ACH: Nov 19, Dec 19, Jan 21
Thanks and Farwell to: William Payne from the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CAC Mary Fraser from the Buncombe County Nursing Home CAC Carol Lackey, Roanne Welsh, Leca Harris, Rita Suder and Nuala Fay from the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC Lana Burgess from the Transylvania County ACH/NH CAC You will be missed! Thank you for your services!
Henderson County ACH/NH: Nov 9, Dec 14, Jan 11
Buncombe County NH: Nov 18, Jan 20
Madison County ACH/NH: Jan 5 Transylvania County ACH/NH: Jan 11
CAC Orientation will be held on November 30 and December 2 at Land-of-Sky Regional Council from 9am - 1pm.
Changes in Adult Home Specialist Fund From Dennis Streets
Residents’ Rights Week 2010 Buncombe County’s National Long-Term Care Residents Rights Week 2010 was celebrated by the community during the first week of October. Commissioner Chairman David Gantt proclaimed October 3 - 9, 2010 as Residents’ Rights week in order to raise awareness, as well as promote and maintain the dignity of individuals living in area nursing homes. The proclamation intends to honor and celebrate these citizens, to recognize their rich individuality, and to reaffirm their rights as community members and citizens, including the right to have a say in their care. Individuals and groups across the country celebrated Residents’ Rights Week with the theme “Defining Dining: It’s About Me” to emphasize the importance of affirming these rights through facility practices, public policy and resident-centered decision-making that impacts quality of care and quality of life. Members of the Buncombe County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Bob DuBrul, Sonya Friedrich and Adam Banner escorted several current residents of nursing homes to bare witness to the signing of the proclamation.
Commissioner Carol Peterson with Nursing Home residents.
November 2010 - January 2011
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he State Adult Home Specialist Fund was established by the NC General Assembly during the 1999 session. State Funds in the amount of $1,400,000 were established for the fund and allocations were made available to county departments of social services where licensed adult care home beds were located. The reimbursement rates at that time were 50% Federal Share; 40% State Share, and 10% County Share. The NC General Assembly ratified on June 30, 2010 changes to the original reimbursement rates listed above to 50% Federal Share; 25% State Share; and 25% County Share effective July 1, 2010. This is a recurring reduction of $525,000 to this fund. The extent of the impact of this reduction to our region is not yet known. The General Assembly also agreed during the summer short session to cut funding for Adult Care Home Case Management by $150,000, Special Assistance by $3,388,044, and Special Assistance for the Blind by $287,807 among other cuts.
Interesting Facts about Nursing Homes • There are 42,367 certified nursing facility beds in NC • There are 1,648,608 certified nursing facility beds in the United States • Alaska only has 698 certified nursing home beds • In 2008 the facility occupancy rate in the US was 84.22% which was slightly down from 85.52% since 2003. North Carolina ranks slightly higher than the national average at 87.52% (for more information go to www.theconsumervoice.org)
Area Agency on Aging
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ASEHVILLE, NC PERMIT #367
339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140 Asheville, NC 28806 Phone: 828.251.6622 Fax: 828.251.6353 Website: www.landofsky.org/aaa
“One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” ~Jim Rohn We would like to hear what you think about the Area Agency on Aging Newsletter. Also, if you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please notify Christina at 828.251.6622. Please recycle this newsletter.
Area Agency on Aging Advocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging
November 2010 Volume V / Issue 4
Area Agency on Aging Staff Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman
VISION
Brenda DelaCruz - Assistant Job Developer, SCSEP Carol McLimans - Family Caregiver Resource Specialist Christina Giles - Area Agency on Aging Project Assistant, Newsletter
Layout & Design
Jennifer Atkinson - Senior Community Service Employment Program
Coordinator (SCSEP)
Joe Connolly - Director, Area Agency on Aging Lee Ann Smith - Regional Ombudsman Linda Kendall Fields - Community Resource Connections Coordinator
The Area Agency on Aging is a leader and catalyst in helping our four-county Region (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania) develop a comprehensive system of programs and opportunities that provide older adults the information and support needed to age optimally in the setting of their choice.
Margaret Stanley - Aging Specialist - Contracts Pat Hilgendorf - Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grant Assistant Rebecca Chaplin - Aging Specialist - Programs Terry Collins - Regional Ombudsman
Please share this newsletter with residents, staff, family members, volunteers and others interested in our community.