HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-05 Council on Aging Summary - Work SessionCOUNCIL ON AGING WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 5, 2004
KENAI SENIOR CENTER
10:00A.M.
CHAIR BILL OSBORN~ PRESIDING
The work session was opened by Chairman Bill Osborn at 10'00 a.m.
were as follows'
Those present
Members present:
B. Osborn, J. Harris, S. Huddleston, R. Jurgensen, F. Wilson, J.
Hollier, E. Jones
Others present:
R. Meeks, Economic & Development Director C. Reynolds, Senior
Center Director Craig, Senior Connection President, A. Wheeler,.
and Council Member Swarner
Review of Mission Statement-
To serve as a community focal point for senior services where adults 60+ come
together for fellowship and program participation, to engage in opportunities for
dignity and personal growth, to improve and enrich their quality of life, to support the
needs of older individuals, to enhance their independence, and to broaden their
involvement within the community.
There was discussion as to whether the age limit for use of the senior center should
be dropped to 55 years of age. It was noted, many senior centers are dropping the age
to entice "baby-boomers" to join and draw a younger group as well as their target
population. It was also noted the NTS grant, one form of funding for the Center, has
an age requirement of 60 years of age. Other funding sources do not have an age
requirement.
Further discussion was suggested.
Goals:
Assisted Living:
· Concern was noted for residents living at Vintage Pointe who have
caregivers, though the caregivers do not show up.
· What was the possibility of turning five units into assisted living with a
caretaker having assisted living skills? Discussion included why agencies did not
know their employees were not showing up for work and how to address that issue;
pros and cons of converting apartments; importance of staying within the community,
and yet addressing issues of individual dignity; and, concern as to having a waiting
list of 121 independent seniors and what the responsibility of the Center really is. It
was also brought to the group's attention the original grant states "a living facility for
independent seniors."
Consensus was no assisted living should be supported at Vintage Pointe and the
Council on Aging needs to support the Senior Connection in the pursuit for an
assisted living facility in Kenai. The group also agreed there is a need for more
independent senior housing in the Kenai area.
· Educate seniors on the need for responsible caregivers, i.e. how to find,
inform, educate, accountability for care.
Legislative issues concerning seniors, i.e. teleconferences, keep abreast of
what senior issues are.
· Financial, i.e. possibility of more gaming such as pull-tabs. Discussion
found more education is needed on pull-tabs and the issue should be referred to the
Senior Connection.
COUNCIL ON AGING WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 5, 2004
PAGE 2