COMMISSION ON AGING MINUTES
MARCH 9, 2018
Attendees:
Cynthia “Cindi” Taylor, Stephanie Lyon-Gould, Karen Veselka, Joan Bonvicin, Phyllis Shepard-Tambini and Kristin Magnussen
Meeting brought to order at 2:03pm by Cindi Taylor, the newly appointed Municipal Agent for the Elderly. Cindi is the Executive Director of the Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association (OLVNA)
New member introduced, Kris Magnussen, who is a Public Health Nurse at Ledge Light Health District and a senior from Old Lyme.
- Stephanie reported that she visited a meeting of the Commission on Aging in East Lyme with Joan and Karen in attendance. One of the subjects discussed at the meeting was the use of Ubers by seniors. A discussion followed on concerns of safety and reliability. It was expressed that some seniors without cars have expressed that they feel like they are living again now that they can get around with Uber. Further exploration into the benefits, safety and how to sign up is warranted.
- Cindi asked if there were any pressing concerns noted among the senior population. Stephanie commented that it is always a concern before a storm if seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels will have enough food. She was able to obtain extra food to send out with the meals ahead of the storm. Bill Archer and Dave Roberge ensure that homebound seniors are called ahead of a storm to update them on the storm and ensure they have supplies/help.
- Projects that the Commission can take on or explore were as follows:
*Falls Prevention: The devastating effects of falls was discussed and Kris shared that Ledge Light Health District has a free in-home falls prevention assessment. She will be working with the OLVNA to offer this service.
*Comfort Baskets: work with other organizations in town to provide comfort baskets filled with useful goodies for someone ill, bereaved or in need of some comfort. Stephanie said this might be something the LOLHS Honor Society might want to work on. It was also mentioned that Karen Veselka, the town nurse, could deliver the baskets as that would allow her to do a well-check.
*Adopt-a-Grandparent: Phyllis recommended working with LYSB to hook up seniors with kids in need of a “grandparent” in their life (perhaps the grandparents live far way or died).
*Emergency Preparedness: Kris discussed the need for seniors to have a 3- day supply of food, water and other supplies in the event of a storm yet many are unable to afford to do it. Stephanie mentioned that the Senior Center did a series in January on Protecting You and Your Pets but it was not well attended. It was suggested exploring this with Dave Roberge, the Emergency Management Director.
- Stephanie went over the upcoming calendar that has some great activities such as the popular St. Patrick’s Luncheon that draws from 90-120 people. She discussed some of the new changes at the Senior Center.
*all visitors must sign in. They are capturing visits and in January had 1435 visits!
*new membership policy that if someone has dementia they must have someone with them. In the past too often, the Senior Center was viewed as an adult day care for people with dementia.
*membership is now open to people 55 years of age and up
*a goal is to get more seniors connected with the senior center and services
- Stephanie commented that there is a need to have someone help seniors with taxes. Unfortunately, the service they used to offer is no longer available.
- It was recommended a pamphlet of services available to seniors would be helpful.
The meeting was wrapped up with a discussion on following up with these ideas in the months to come. No assignments were made at this time.
Meeting adjourned at 1:55pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin Magnussen
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