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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-08 Commissioner MinutesTUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, October 8, 2019, with the following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G. Ziobrowski. The Board attended the Prison Board meeting. Chairman Keller presided and after calling the meeting to order, a Moment of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, proceeded with the business of the day. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. There was no public comment. The minutes of the October 1, 2019 and October 3, 2019 meetings were reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, October 10, 2019. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner Thomas announced that there will be a presentation on Thursday to provide an update on the Jail to Community Treatment Program. Commissioner Thomas noticed that the two agreements for the Jail to Community Treatment Program mentions tracking data and asked if that is something they've done before or is this part of a new program. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, responded that they have tracked items in the past but they have to specify within the grant itself what they are tracking. The items will be approved Thursday, October 10, 2019. The Board reviewed information regarding Residents' Rights Month. Traci Kline, Director of the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging and Shelly Schwartz, Ombudsman, were present to provide information on Residents' Rights Month. Mr. Schwartz explained that this month has been nationally proclaimed as Residents' Rights Month and the theme this year is "Stand for Quality". The focus is continuing the quality of care and quality of life for residents at long term care facilities. Mr. Schwartz provided a presentation yesterday at Laurel Lakes and will continue with other presentations at other facilities throughout the month of October on how to take care of each other. He said that not all residents are older people, there are younger people with health issues as residents. When an individual is signing up at a facility, the facility has to do a care plan and this care plan needs to be updated and the individual needs to let the facility know their preferences. Mr. Schwartz continued that the facilities need to make the individual believe or feel that the facility is as close to being in their own home. It's difficult to do with all that the long term care facility has to deal with like constraints and staffing shortages. Traci Kline explained that resident's rights are extremely important. She said that Shelly has been their Ombudsman but has recently moved to volunteer ombudsman with the hiring of Payton Mummert. They need to make sure that resident's needs are being met and they are being kept safe. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved Franklin County Proclamation #2019-25 proclaiming the month October as National Long -Term Care Residents' Rights Month and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. Commissioner Thomas asked if the teams of residents that are trained in long term care facilities are also in assisted living facilities. Mr. Schwartz responded that the Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) program is a group of residents that are trained in all facilities, not just nursing homes. He said the program is unique to Pennsylvania and there is no other state that has the PEER program in the United States. He explained that the PEER program trains residents on site for diversity, bullying and life skills so they can deal with issues when they come up. The PEER resident also meets new residents when they come into the facilities and orients them and lets them know the program structure. He said they take that program very seriously. Mr. Schwartz mentioned that with Community Health Choices coming next Continued on page 2 year he can see more in -home care being provided so he can see the Ombudsman going into homes for visits. Commissioner Thomas thanked Mr. Schwartz for his leadership. Commissioner Ziobrowski said that a lot of nursing homes are on edge financially, he asked Mr. Schwartz how he handles these things in house. Mr. Schwartz responded that most of it is making people aware that their job at the facility is to take care of the residents in their home. The employees are there during the day but go home at night but the residents are there all day and night. He continued that it's not just money all the time, it's the satisfaction they have and being recognized for doing their job. They are part of the group as a caregiver and residents appreciate what they do. He said that showing appreciation to the staff is important and relationships are built. Chairman Keller thanked Mr. Schwartz and Ms. Kline for bringing this to their attention again this year. The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS David S. Keller, Chairman Robert L. Thomas Robert G. Ziobrowski Proclamation #2019-25 National Long -Term Care Residents" Rights Month 2019 STAND FOR QUALITY Whereas, there are more than 1.6 million individuals living in 16,000 nursing homes; and 1 million individuals living in 50,000 board and care/assisted living facilities in the U.S.; and Whereas, there are almost 2,000 individuals living in 29 licensed long-term care facilities in Franklin County, and Whereas, the federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 guarantees residents their individual rights in order to promote and maintain their dignity and autonomy; and Whereas, all residents should be aware of their rights so they may be empowered to live with dignity and self-determination; and Whereas, we wish to honor and celebrate these citizens, to recognize their rich individuality, and to reaffirm their right to vote and participate politically, including the right to have a say in their care; and Whereas, individuals and groups across the country will be celebrating Residents' Rights Month with the theme —"Stand for Quality"— to emphasize the importance of quality in all aspects of residents' experiences — quality care, quality of life, quality services, and quality choices. Now, therefore, we, The Franklin County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 2019 as National Long -Term Care Residents' Rights Month, in Franklin County, and encourage all citizens to join us in these important observances. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have hereunto set our hand and seal of Franklin County to be fixed this 8th day of October, 2019. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 2 W---- David S. Ke r, Chairman Robert L. Thomas �d Robert G. Ziobr' i