HomeMy WebLinkAbout962195.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE 1997 ANNUAL PLAN FOR OLDER AMERICANS ACT FUNDING FROM
HUMAN SERVICES, AREA AGENCY ON AGING, TO COLORADO DEPARTMENT
OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF AGING AND ADULT SERVICES, AND
AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with the 1997 Annual Plan, Title III, Older
Americans Act, from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of
County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Weld County Department of Human
Services, Area Agency on Aging, to the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of
Aging and Adult Services, commencing January 1, 1997, and ending December 31, 1997, with
further terms and conditions being as stated in said plan, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said plan, a copy of
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, Colorado, that the 1997 Annual Plan, Title III, Older Americans Act, from the
County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, on behalf of the Weld County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on
Aging, to the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services,
be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign said plan.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 9th day of December, A.D., 1996.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
i -' I WELD COUNTY, COLORADO f
AT ST ' ✓�i:;u,id�r.. 4 �(/%,,r"2
? 04,1-44, \c Barber J. Kirkmeyer, ChairLi
W!d Cdunty Clerk`fal :o- -
\ ` � ' �,(. .-.1
�� eorg Baxter, PPr,,-Tem
BY: s l�1 L�CP
De. �.- irk ,'tee Board C-L
Dale K. Hall
APP D AS T RM: ��.2 9z,e,c., , ���.z./
Constance L. Harbert
ounty At ey _ di,74( /1/240P170
W. H. Webster
962195
CG,' /- sr HR0067
STATE OF COLORADO
1997 ANNUAL PLAN
TITLE III - OLDER AMERICANS ACT
Calendar Fiscal Year 1997
Due: November 15, 1996
Colorado Department of Human Services
• Division of Aging and Adult Services
The Petroleum Building
110 16th Street Suite 200
Denver, Colorado 80202
Grantee Organization Weld County Board of Commissioners
Address Centennial, Building
Greeley , Colorado 80631
Area Agency Name Weld County Area Agency on Aging
Address 1551 North 17th Avenue , P.O. Box 1805
Greeley, Colorado 80632
Grant Award Number (FY 1997)
Grant Period From January 1, 1997 To December 31, 1997
Type of Application ■ Initial Application ❑ Revision
Anticipated Part F Carryover $7, 000 (FFY '95 & '96 funds)
(8/96)
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ADVISORY COUNCIL REVIEW
The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council has had the opportunity to review
and comment on the following items in the annual plan. (Comments are
attached.)
1. Statement of intent and justification for transfers budgeted between Parts •
B, C-1, and C-2;
2. Statement of intent and justification for use of Part B funds for
Advocacy, Coordination, and/or Program Development
3. Application for waiver for the Area Agency on Aging to provide
direct services; and
4. Request for waiver of the requirement to award minimum
percentage of funds for required support services (25% for access,
15% for in-home and 3% for legal services).
The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council has had the opportunity to review
and comment on the 1997 annual plan.
11-21-96 (Signed)(Date) (Chairperson,
(Chairperson,
Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council)
(8/96)
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SECTION II: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Overall Direction of the Area Agency on Aging for Fiscal Year 1997
During Fiscal Year 1997 the Weld County Area Agency on aging will emphasize efficiency
and effectiveness in all programs. Although we will continue to seek additional resources to meet
the increasing needs of elders who are frail, low income, and minority;programs will work towards
more efficiency and towards empowerment of older adults to make wise choices from a wide range
of service options when they are needed.
The Weld County rural senior center network remains the focus for dissemination of
information and the provision of outreach to rural Weld Seniors. Area Aging on Aging technical
assistance to this network will focus on the development of a common outreach brochure,training
on grant writing, budget development, volunteer management, and coordination of educational and
recreational opportunities between rural Weld communities. For the first time the rural communities
will have a voice through the Seniors Marketplace News to disseminate information to participants
throughout the county. The Area Agency on Aging will support the growth and development of this
publication throughout the county.
We also recognize the fact that there will be increasing numbers of frail elders and increasing
numbers of families needing support to carry out their care giving duties. The Area Agency on
Aging Single Entry Point Program will continue to be involved in dependent care issues related to
private and Medicaid case management, employer dependent care programs, and enhanced
information and assistance. It will be our goal in 1997 to coordinate the transition of the King Law
Suit clients into our case load and to increase our private case management contracts.
Upgrading our capacity to utilize modem technology to streamline programs will be
emphasized. The Para Transit Management Systems should be fully on line in 1997. The Area
Agency on Aging will support and provide technical assistance to bring providers and senior centers
on line with E-mail and other computing technology that will help us "connect" in a timely and
efficient manner.
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The capacity of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to respond to the increasing
growth in long term care beds will be one of our greatest challenges in 1997. An analysis by the
Weld County Area Agency on Aging projects a 40%growth in long term care beds in Weld County
by 1998. Our goal is to develop the resources to add an additional ten hours per week of
ombudsman time for visitation and monitoring of long term care facilities. Both increased funding
and increased use of volunteers will be initiated in 1997.
Elder abuse will be another area of emphasis in 1997. We will be integrally involved with
the Colorado Trust Elder Abuse Initiated funded through North Colorado Medical Center. Mother
important goal will be to reintroduce the court appointed visitor program by working closely with
the local courts to recruit and train qualified and interested volunteers. Initial planning has already
begun.
There are many opportunities to move the network forward in 1997. The Area Agency
Advisory Board members and staff look forward to 1997 and the challenges ahead. We believe that
the aging network has great potential for good work in the months and years ahead.
B. Community Initiatives Update from Four Year Plan
Transportation Initiative (High Priority)
Lack of transportation was expressed consistently and more often in needs assessments and
focus groups than any other service. Providing demand response and modified demand response
transportation service for residents of a county the size of the State of Connecticut is a massive
challenge. The Area Agency on Aging is not prepared to predict the outcome of efforts to increase
and improve transportation to elderly and disabled in rural Weld County four years from now.
However,during the next four years the Area Agency will make transportation service improvement
and expansion a major initiative.
Specific actions steps that can reasonably be taken during the next four years are as follows:
• Implement approved City and County transportation consolidation recommendations
• Install transportation computer data base and routing software
• Increased Urban Mass Transit, Section 18 funds
• Install a 1-800 number for long distance service requests
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• Increase route schedule information to the general public
• Implement fee for service
• Increase contract service to private sector
1995 Accomplishments:
• Joint hiring process in conjunction with the City of Greeley for bus drivers
• Transit Data Base and Scheduling software installed, data bases being set up, staff training
in progress
• Long Distance toll free numbers approved for use by County Commissioners to be used by
rural senior programs
1996 Accomplishments:
• Increased FTA Section 18 Grant Award for 1997 from $35,000 to $41,300.
• Certified for non medical transportation under Medicaid generating $1000 per month new
revenue.
• Participated in regional transit planning projects for North Front Range,co-sponsored public
meeting on inter city transit for North Front Range.
• Completed Weld County Transit Development Plan (1996- 2000) in cooperation with the
City of Greeley using RAE Consultants, Inc.
E-mail link between AAA Office and Transportation Program established.
• Provided 15,194 trips and 59,000 miles of transit to rural Weld County elderly and disabled.
using Community Services Block Grant and Federal Transit Section 18'funds.
1997 Goals:
• Train transportation staff on daily use of PTMS transit scheduling and data base system.
• Secure certification for reimbursement for medical trips.
• Develop billing capacity to work off of PTMS transit software.
• Maintain trips and mileage service at 1996 levels of service.
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Information Dissemination Initiative (High Priority)
Lack of information about available services was frequently mentioned as a problem for
seniors and their families in needs assessments and focus groups. During the next four years the
Area Agency will revise how information is disseminated to the public.
A comprehensive action plan will be implemented to increase information to the Weld
Community about senior issues and programs that will encompass every aspect of the network of
services for the aging and involve private sector partnerships in the dissemination process. This plan
will be developed with community input and will include but not be limited to the following actions:
• Increase Legal presentations at Senior Aide Stations
• Write Senior Services Column for weekly rural newspapers
• Increase information for caregivers through work place contacts
• Print a standardized outreach handout for rural Senior Coordinators
1995 Accomplishments:
► Eight presentations at senior centers on legal issues impacting elderly
► Five work site presentations through Family Support Network contract with United Way
1996 Accomplishments:
► Developed centralized services information files for access by all AAA staff
► Collaborated with publisher of Senior Marketplace News to establish a Weld County
monthly edition.
► Initiated review of I & R Data Base programs to be installed in 1997.
► Provided staff support to South Weld County Human Services Network Group.
► Participated in wide range of informational activities such as local radio interviews, speaking
engagement and booth displays at health and information fairs.
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1997 Goals:
• Develop electronic capacity to access I & R data bases.
• Maintain regular AAA information section in Senior Marketplace Newspaper.
Design and print a standard brochure for use by all rural senior centers.
• Redesign all current AAA brochures using a common design and theme to be available for
individualized customer requests for information and services.
Housing (High Priority)
Population and economic growth is compounding an already difficult housing market for low
income elderly. During the next four years the Area Agency on Aging will increase involvement
with policy makers and housing specialists. Initiatives that could realistically become realities are:
• a housing counseling service for seniors in conjunction with the Greeley Housing
Development Corporation (Not a viable goal at this time)
• Technical assistance to Town of Dacono to build a subsidized senior housing project
• A pilot shared housing project (Not a viable goal at this time)
1995 Accomplishments:
• Preliminary meetings with developers for an Assisted Living Project for Tri Town occurred.
1996 Accomplishments:
• Signed contract with Coming Home Program to do a feasibility study for Tri Town Area to
determine assisted housing needs for these communities.
• Secured finding match for the feasibility study in the amount of$3000 from Weld Housing
Authority and Tri City Communities.
• Feasibility Study completed November, 1996.
1997 Goals:
• Coming Home Program will break ground for Assisted Living project in Dacono.
• AAA will redesign and expand Weld Housing Directory using Boulder County AAA
Directory as a model.
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Volunteers (High Priority)
Older volunteers will continue to be a vital resource to the community and an integral and
necessary part of Area Agency on Aging programs.
• Increase Intergenerational volunteering focusing on schools
• Increase number of volunteers in the Senior Nutrition Program and the Ombudsman Program
• Co sponsor with United Way an annual workshop on how to recruit and supervise older
volunteers.
1995 Accomplishments:
• Area Agency representation on School District Six Senior Advisory Committee and United
Way Volunteer Resource Bureau - Area Agency on Aging Staff assisted with major
volunteer recognition event with United Way and School District Six.
1996 Accomplishments:
• Coordinated with RSVP to initiate local volunteer recognitions, four held to date.
• Co sponsored workshop with United Way for non-profit board members,training included
legal responsibilities, other duties and responsibilities of volunteer board members.
• Initiated First Annual Area Agency on Aging Volunteer Recognition to honor outstanding
seniors and other community members who have helped to improved the lives of seniors.
1997 Goals:
• Increase number of local community volunteer recognition events from four to eight.
• Provide volunteer management training to all rural Senior Aide Coordinators.
• Plan and execute a 1997 Area Agency on Aging recognition of outstanding volunteers in
conjunction with Older Americans Month.
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Long Term Care
Home health care was listed by key informants as a major concern. Each year a greater
percentage of calls to the Area Agency are about long term care questions. The needs of the most
frail elders will continue to be a major focus of the Area Agency on Aging. Access to information
about long term care must increase. Respite alternatives for Caregivers will grow. For the next four
years the Area Agency will:
• Expand private case management
• Increase home health care services for south Weld County
• Seek private sector funding to build an assisted living facility
• Improve methods of training personal care boarding home staff
• Offer basic and enhanced elder care packages to local employers as a member of the United
Way Family Support Network
.Provide seed money to develop a private sector respite care business
1995 Accomplishments:
Hosted a state medication training for PCBH providers
• Presented five Work Family care giving workshops to local employers.
• Initiated new contract with NCMC Foundation for in-home respite care services.
1996 Accomplishments:
• Developed two (2) brochures one for local use, one for volunteer recruitment.
• Sponsored a Family Empowerment Workshop.
Initiated rewrite of local personal care boarding home regulations.
• Provided leadership to establish a Weld County Bioethics Committee
• Worked with nursing homes and adult protection to develop procedures for resolving
delinquent payments to nursing homes by clients and families avoiding reactive procedures.
• Completed study in conjunction with University of Northern Colorado Gerontology
Program, paper entitled Residents Rights: Knowledee of and Implementation by Nursing
Home Staff in Long Term Care Facilities.
• Published CNA Newsletter in conjunction with UNC Gerontology Program.
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Goals for 1997:
► Create an Area Wide Nursing Home Resident Council
► Create an Area Wide Nursing Home Family Council
► Maintain basic required visitation schedule for nursing homes and personal care boarding
homes.
► Increase number of volunteer ombudsman.
► Secure V.A.L.E. grant funding to support an additional .25FTE ombudsman.
► Develop new REP process for respite funds due to failure of NCMC Foundation Seniors Are
Special Respite Project.
Elder Abuse Initiative
The Weld community must be educated about elder abuse. Allocation of federal elder abuse
monies to the local level is necessary to continue and expand this educational initiative during the
next four years (allocation to local level not guaranteed.) With Title VII funding under the Older
Americans Act the Area Agency proposes to carry out the following actions:
• Work with Department of Social Services to establish an Adult Protection Team
• Provide elder abuse educational seminars to a wide spectrum of community groups
including, service clubs, town boards, senior centers, and provider agencies.
1995 Accomplishments:
► Secured a concept agreement with local DSS to establish Adult Protection Team.
► Sponsored Elder Abuse Workshop in coordination with annual "Spring Fling" senior
information fair, 41 persons were in attendance.
1996 Accomplishments:
► Participated on State Elder Fraud Subcommittee of the Coalition of Elder Rights and Adult
Protection.
► Weld County Adult Protection Networking Group (Adult Protection Team) meeting
monthly.
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1997 Goals:
• Reestablish the volunteer Court Appointed Visitor Program as a function of the Area Agency
on Aging.
• Collaborate with the North Colorado Medical Center Seniors Are Special Program's
Colorado Trust Grant on Prevention of Violence Toward Elders - provide training and
technical assistance as needed.
Nutrition Initiative
Results from a client satisfaction survey of congregate nutrition participants proved that this
program is widely appreciated and beneficial. Nutrition services will continue to be a vital part of
the AAA's continuum of care. Major emphasis during the next four years will be to:
• Increase capacity of rural communities to sponsor meal programs without government
assistance
• Expand home delivered meals service to all rural communities
• Develop a volunteer recruitment plan to increase number of participants willing to help serve
meals at congregate sites
• Expand from three to eight the number of sites using reusable
plates.
• Revise reporting procedures to meet new federal reporting guidelines
1996 Accomplishments:
• Increased participant suggested donations from$1.75 to $2.00 per meal, increasing project
income by approximately $15,000 annually.
• Held local volunteer recognitions in Evans, Windsor, Kersey, and Milliken.
• Coordinated with UNC Food Service Staff to maintain meal cost with no increase for 1996.
• Wrote policies and procedures for application for Congregate Meal Site designation.
• Revised policies and procedures for Liquid Food Supplement Program.
• Increased meal service to homebound with a home delivered breakfast program.
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1997 Goals:
Continue to serve nutritious and delicious nutrition meals for a reasonable cost served by
local volunteers who are well trained and committed to the mission of the program.
Health Promotion Initiative
Weld citizens increasingly are aware of the importance of taking responsibility for their
health. During the next four years the Area Agency will fund creative health promotion programs
emphasizing services to rural and minority populations. Initiatives will include but not be limited
to:
• Annual "Celebrating Healthy Lifestyles" symposium for Hispanic Elders
• Pilot "Healthwise for Life" workshops at three rural senior centers with option to expand
depending on evaluation of outcomes
• Eye, dental, and hearing assistance programs for low income elderly
1995 Accomplishments:
• Provided second year of funding for Celebrating Healthy Lifestyles symposium for Weld
Hispanic Senior-60 Hispanic seniors participating.
• Two hundred (200) seniors completed Healthwise for Life classes, a cooperative project
between the Area Agency on Aging and the Weld County Extension Service.
• (Dental Program funded with Part F monies, designed to help where other programs, such
as OAP Dental Program cannot)
1996 Accomplishments:
• Provided third year of funding for Celebrating Healthy Lifestyles symposium for Weld
Hispanic Seniors - 71 Hispanic seniors participating.
• Funded under Part F of the Older Americans Act dental care for XX Weld seniors.
• Expanded rural Well Adult Clinics to five rural Weld communities.
• Funded in home public health screening services in conjunction with Well Adult Clinics.
• Provided additional 54 seniors with Healthwise for Life classes.
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1997 Goals:
• Continue support for "Celebrating Healthy Lifestyles" symposium for Hispanic seniors.
• Continue support for Senior Dental Program.
• Continue support for rural Well Adult Clinics and in home health screening through public
health department.
SECTION III - OVERVIEW OF SERVICES IN 1997
The following description of services is divided into three major categories which delineate
general sources of funding and whether it is a service provided directly or through purchase of
services agreements.
SERVICES PROVIDED DIRECTLY BY THE AAA -NOT WITH OAA FUNDS
General Outreach Services:
Outreach is an integral activity of every program. It is an activity that is never ending and
must be continually evaluated to determine effectiveness. The Area Agency on Aging relies heavily
on the rural senior aide coordinators to conduct outreach from 21 rural senior stations county wide.
Incorporated as the WELDCOS,Inc.,the rural coordinators and their centers are generally supported
by their local towns. The role of the Area Agency is to provide technical assistance. This is
provided through a half time advisor, a member of the AAA staff, who is funded from the federal
Community Service Block Grant(CSBG).
Since 1993 the Area Agency on Aging has received a Low Income Energy Assistance
(LEAP) grant specifically for outreach to isolated seniors. The LIEAP grant supports a bilingual
outreach worker and member of the AAA staff to make contact with 50 seniors each year who have
not been recipients of other services. Assistance with transportation, housing, eye glasses, dental,
medications and the Ensure Food Supplement Program are also arranged when needed.
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1997 Goals:
• Increase Weld County General Fund support for WELDCOS,Inc. by$800,up from$11,500
to $12,300.
• Maintain Area Agency technical assistance to the WELDCOS at .50 FTE.
• Continue LIEAP outreach to low income regardless of funding decrease.
Multipurpose Senior Centers:
Weld County has 21 senior activity centers including the Greeley Senior Activity Center.The
Greeley center is supported by the City of Greeley and membership fees. The rural centers are
supported by the individual towns in which they are located, with Community Service Block Grant
funds, and a general fund allocation from the Board of County Commissioners which has been set
at$12,800 for 1997. Technical support is provided by Area Agency staff. Community support for
the rural centers continues to grow.
In 1996 the towns of Erie and Lochbuie for the first time agreed to pay the salary of the local
senior aide coordinator. Transition the coordinators from volunteer to paid positions has
strengthened the senior program in each of these communities. Milliken opened a new community
and senior center. The town of Kersey increased the senior coordinator from part time to full time.
1997 Goals:
• Maintain existing technical assistance levels to rural senior centers.
• Provide training on budgeting and grant writing for rural senior coordinators.
• Develop marketing pieces in form of two brochures to help rural senior coordinators recruit
new members and serve isolated or homebound seniors.
• Assist rural community senior center programs in marketing their services through the newly
established Senior Marketplace News.
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Employment and Training:
The Area Agency on Aging Senior Employment Program is funded under the Job Training
Partnership Act Older Worker Discretionary monies. Funded since 1985, this program will provide
employment and training for approximately 25 older adults annually who are 55 years of age and
older. Funding for 1997 has not been set, but is expected to be at approximately $30,000.
1997 Goals:
Provide training and job placement for 25 older adults 55 years of age and older.
Coordinate training and job placement of older adults with the Title V Green Thumb
Program.
Transportation Services:
The management and supervision of the Weld Transportation System is a responsibility of
the Area Agency Director. The Area Agency, therefore, has a direct and integral role in the
development of transportation resources. Needs assessments conducted by the Area Agency in 1994
showed in every instance that transportation is one of three consistently expressed needs for rural
Weld residents.
City of Greeley residents are served by "The Bus" which is funded and operated by the City
of Greeley Transportation Program. This system provides both fixed route and door to door service.
The Weld County Transportation System provides most rural Weld towns with weekly or bi weekly
transportation to larger commercial areas for shopping and medical appointments. The combined
financial support for these two E & D services is approximately $635,000 annually.
Even so,there are many unmet needs. Many elderly and disabled express, at transportation
hearings the need for more handicapped accessible service, need for less notification time to receive
service, and in the case of rural communities, the need for more frequent service.
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Transportation is not an Older Americans Act funded service even though it is continually
expressed as a high priority need. Due to the relatively small amount of Title III B funds awarded
to Weld County and the enormous amount of money it would take to have a positive impact on this
service: the Area Agency believes Title III B funds are better spent on other needed services. 1997
goals for this program were outlined under Four Year Plan Initiates page three (3).
Case Management:
The Area Agency on Aging is the state designated Single Point of Entry (SEP) for Long
Term Care. Th e program,funded entirely by Medicaid,currently supports five full time and two part
time case managers and a Single Entry Point Coordinator to provide community based long term
care services to all ages and disabilities. Approximately two thirds of the SEP cases are older adults.
1997 Goals:
► Transition staff through training and support to respond to increased caseloads as a result of
the King Lawsuit which requires the SEP to serve the developmentally disabled client.
► Maintain private case management contracts and employer care giving workshops.
► Maintain high audit free standards as reported in 1996.
Information and Assistance:
Information and Assistance is one of the most vital services an Area Agency on Aging can
provide. The Weld County Area Agency on Aging historically has regarded I & A services as an
integral component of all AAA related activities. Specific I &A funding from the Older Americans
Act is not allocated for this service.
There is no lack of qualified agencies and personnel to provide information and assistance.
The United Way funds a county wide Information and Referral Agency(WIRS). The Area Agency
gives training and technical assistance monthly to a network of rural senior aide coordinators whose
principle responsibility is I& A. As many as 50 provider agencies meet bi monthly to keep current
on programs and services through networking Lack of information continues to be a frequently
expressed need. 1997 goals are listed under Four Year Plan Initiatives on page four(4).
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SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH PURCHASE OF SERVICE AGREEMENTS
Legal Assistance Services:
Legal services for older adults is available in Weld County through the private sector,
Colorado Rural Legal Services,Weld County Legal Services,Inc. and the Area Agency Senior Legal
Aide Program. The Area Agency contracts with a private attorney for case consultation and court
time. In turn,the contract attorney provides legal supervision to a paralegal who is a member of the
Area Agency staff.
In 1996, the Senior Legal Aide Program focused on the priority areas of life threatening
situations, assistance and advice in applying for public assistance, personal rights issues, and
education and information the Area Agency Senior Legal Aide Program is able to respond to all
legal requests in a timely manner. Unless home bound or terminally ill, all other will requests are
referred to private attorneys. In 1997 funding for the Senior Legal Service Program will be
maintained at the 1996 level and case files will be maintained for the first time on software that
will allow computer access.
In Home Health Care:
One of the most frequently requested services from tabulations of I & R calls to the Area
Agency is for home health care. The availability of home health care services is extensive in Weld
County,particularly in the Greeley and areas surrounding Greeley. Still,for many seniors this is not
an affordable service and too frequently not supported by third party insurers. In 1997, funding
will be maintained at the 1996 level for home health and homemaker aide for persons with no
other third party source of support.
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Counseling Services - Mental Health
Peer Counseling has been an Area Agency supported service through Title III of the Older
Americans Act since 1976. This program counsels over 160 elders throughout the county each year.
A trained peer counselor is sent to the home of an older adult who is experiencing problems such as
depression, loneliness, separation from family, difficulty coping, anxiety or other mental health
problems. The Area Agency on Aging believes that in home counseling is a vital link in the
development of a long term care continuum in Weld County. Peer counselors are instrumental in
helping an older person cope with the day to day stresses associated with growing old and frail. The
peer counselor also is a link between the elder and other services. In 1997 funding will be
maintained at the 1996 level and increased marketing and outreach for this program will
occur.
Adult Day Care
Eldergarden Adult Day Program, Inc. has received funding through a purchase of services
agreement with the Area Agency on Aging since 1985. Adult day care began as a little known and
rarely utilized. Several years ago this program almost closed. Now, the average weekly attendance
in Greeley is 35 participants. At the satellite site in Fort Lupton (South Weld) attendance is at 12
participants.
Needs surveys and anecdotal information support the fact that respite care is an often
expressed community need. Eldergarden is one way for families to have time apart. In 1997,
funding will remain the same with the potential for an increase if funds are available.
Home Delivered Meals
Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Weld County has received Older Americans Act C. funding since
1997. The increasing number of very old,very frail elderly in Weld County matches national trends
and is a strong indicator for increased home delivered meals options. In 1997, home delivered
meals will be funded at the 1996 level.
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Congregate Meals
Approximately 2,800 seniors participate annually in the congregate meal program. Unlike
many regions nationwide; the congregate meal program in Weld County continues to be very
successful in most of the 22 rural communities where this service is provided. In Weld County all
meal site activities are handled by volunteers. As participants become older and more frail; it is
more difficult to retain enough volunteers. Younger participants must be educated about how critical
volunteers are to the program. For 1997, goals are listed under Four Year Plan Initiatives page
nine (9).
Hispanic Elderly Outreach
The Catholic Charities Hispanic Elderly Outreach Program has been funded by the AAA
since 1978. Bilingual staff contact approximately 200 Hispanic elderly each year. In 1997, funding
will be at 1996 levels, a grand parenting support group will be initiated for Hispanic elders, and
support services will be provided for seniors at Island Grove Village. The Area Agency on Aging
will work with the Hispanic Elderly Outreach Program to identify and find support for
Hispanic elders whose assistance services could be impacted by the national welfare reform
legislation which will cut assistance to legal immigrants.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services:
Two health promotion projects were funded through a Request for Proposal process in 1994.
The Hispanic Elderly Conference, "Promoting Healthy Lifestyles", was very successful and
will be refunded for 1997. A diabetic outreach and education program for Hispanic elders of south
Weld County was de funded due to the lack of implementation by the funding agency.
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Respite Care
A volunteer respite care program has been an Older Americans Act funded service since
1990. Both demographics and needs assessments indicate this service to be a high need for Weld
families in 1995 and many years beyond. Because of waiting lists and many indicators pointing to
the need for greater access for respite care; the Area Agency supported a new approach to the
delivery of respite services in 1995. A proposal by Seniors Are Special a program of the North
Colorado Medical Foundation to provide respite care using paid respite workers was funded by the
Area Agency for the first time in 1995.
The Area Agency rationale for funding this model proved to be unsuccessful. In October
1996 the Area Agency was notified that the Seniors are Special Respite Program would be dropped
by the sponsoring agency,North Colorado Medical Center. The contract will terminate December
31, 1996. In 1997 the Area Agency on Aging will work with board members and key agencies
to develop other means for addressing the respite care needs in Weld County. The funding
level will remain the same,but the method of distribution will be determined until the study/planning
phase is completed.
SERVICES PROVIDED DIRECTLY BY AAA WITH OLDER AMERICANS ACT FUNDS
Advocacy, Coordination, and Program Development
These activities are a critical responsibility of the Area Agency on Aging. However, the cost
for carrying out these activities is a component of the AAA administrative budget. In 1997, the
Area Agency Director will continue to devote considerable time to the development of
resources in the primary need areas of transportation, respite care, corporate elder care, and
housing.
Ombudsman Services:
The designated local long term care ombudsman for Weld County is Mindy Rickard of the
Area Agency on Aging. Weld County has 735 nursing home beds and 5 facilities. There are 210
Personal Care Boarding Home beds and 18 facilities operational on the average at any given time.
Persons living in nursing homes and personal care boarding homes are among the most frail and
vulnerable of older adults in Weld County.
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A priority issue for the future is the projected 40% increase in the number of nursing home
and personal care boarding home beds in Weld County during 1997 and 1998. At present a .75 FTE
Ombudsman and two(2)very part time volunteers will not be able to provide the required visitation
and technical assistance for this program. In 1997 the Area Agency on Aging will seek funding
through the V.A.L.E. Program and other sources to increase staff ombudsman hours.
Elder Abuse Education:
Much progress has been made in Weld County on elder abuse issues. An adult protection
networking team has been established and meet monthly to review cases and numerous educational
workshops and presentations have occurred throughout the county. In 1997 the Area Agency will
be integrally involved in the implementation of the North Colorado Medical Center Elder
Abuse Project funded by the Colorado Trust and the Court Appointed Visitor Program will
be reestablished under the auspices of the Area Agency.
Ensure Food Supplement Program
The Area Agency initiated an Ensure Food Supplement Program in conjunction with the
Weld Food Bank in 1992. Certification is handled by the AAA and distribution occurs at the food
bank. This budget neutral program continues to grow. In 1995 we changed from Ensure to Sustacal
and have begun offering this product very successfully. In 1997 the Sustacal Food Supplement
Program is projected to serve approximately 125 frail and low income seniors.
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SECTION IV: TARGETING PLAN
Minority Elders Targeting Plan
Major Title III Total # # Minorities # Minorities % of Goal % of Total 60+
Services Persons Projected to Actually Achieved Pop. Served
Served in CY be Served in Served in CY
1995 CY 1995 1995
Outreach 282 250 282 112% 100%
Home Health 54 6 0 0 0
Respite Care 19 3 3 100% 15.7%
Adult Day 92 5 23 460% 25%
Peer Counseling 96 57 16 28% 16%
Legal 128 25 28 112% 22%
Congregate Meals 2,804 250 289 115% 10%
H.D. Meals 701 70 47 67% 67%
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Targeting Plan for Low Income
Major Title III Total # #Low #Low Income % of Goal %of Total 60+
Services Persons Income Actually Achieved Pop. Served
Served in CY Projected to Served in CY
1995 be Served in 1995
CY 1995
Outreach 282 270 282 104% 100%
Home Health 54 54 54 100% 100%
Respite Care 19 19 19 100% 100%
Adult Day 92 60 51 85% 55%
Peer Counseling 96 63 49 77% 51%
Legal 128 128 67 52% 100%
Congregate Meals 2,804 1,851 1,851 100% 66%
H.D. Meals 701 525 506 96% 72%
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SECTION V: PUBLIC INPUT
A public hearing for the Weld County Area Agency on Aging 1997 Annual Plan on November 14, 1997
at the Division of Human Services, 1551 North 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The meeting was held in conjunction with the Area Agency on Aging monthly board meeting and there were 14
persons in attendance.
The point was brought up that the plan did not address the need for the Area Agency to advocate for the
needs of older legal immigrants who may lose benefits with the implementation of the new Welfare Reform
legislation. Secondly, the point was strongly raised that the current respite contract not be renewed for 1997 and
the Area Agency develop an RFP process to generate new interest in this project.
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging does not, at this time, utilize Part B funds for Advocacy,
Coordination, or Program Development. Neither are waivers an issue with this annual plan.
The Annual Plan was approved with the inclusion of the above described amendments to the plan. The
meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
SECTION VI: WAIVERS
NOT APPLICABLE
SECTION VII: ATTACHMENTS
NOT APPLICABLE
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STATEMENT OF INTENT
The 1997 Annual Plan is hereby submitted for Region l lB
Planning and Service Area
for the period January 1. 1997 through December 31. 1997 . It includes
all assurances and plans to be followed by the Weld County Area Agency on Aging
Name of Area Agency on Aging
under provisions of the Older American's Act, as amended, during the period
identified. The Area Agency on Aging identified will assume full responsibility to
develop and administer the Annual Plan in accordance with the requirements of
the Act and related State Policy. In accepting this authority, the Area Agency
on Aging assumes responsibility to promote the development of a
comprehensive and coordinated system of community services and to serve as
the advocate and focal point for older persons in the planning and service area.
The Annual Plan has been developed in accordance with the rules and
regulations specified under the Older American's Act and Staff Manual Volume
10, and is hereby submitted to the Colorado Department of Human Services,
Division of Aging and Adult Services for review and approval.
11-21-96 (Signed) ��td -V c
(Date) (Director, Agency on Aging)
11-21-96 (Signed) (%
(Date) (Ex ive Director, Grantee Organization)
The governing body Agency on Aging has reviewed and approved
the 1997 Annual /L�
12/09/96 wo 1."�Ct� 4/L
/
(Date) d0—) c/
ir, Weld County Board of Commissioners
UNA hairperson of Governing Board,
-- County Commissioners, etc.)
ii (8/96)
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AUDIT ASSURANCE
Single Audit Clause
The audit requirements applicable to area agencies on aging and
subgrantees are set forth,in Section 10.480 of Volume 10. All area agencies
on aging and subgrantees shall comply with the requirements for audits as
established by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Circular Number
A-128 for states and local governments and A-133 for private non-profit •
organizations, as amended, for obtaining financial and compliance audits.
The standards to be followed may also be found in the Standards for Audit of
Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities and Functions issued by
U.S. General Accounting Office, 1988 Revision, or the Guidelines for Audits
of Federal Awards to Non-profit Organizations (April 1989) published by the
Department of Health and Human Services. For purposes of state and local
governmental agencies, the term independent auditor means a state or local
government auditor who meets the independence standards specified in
Government Auditing Standards.
Assurance of Compliance
11-21-96 (Signed) ✓t L�`lG- �
(Date) irector, Area Agency on Aging)
. SELF-ASSESSMENT ASSURANCE
The last completed self-assessment instrument for Region for CY
1995 was found to be in compliance with state regulations. I verify that
relevant documentation is on file at the area agency on aging to indicate
continued compliance.
Assurance of Compliance
11-21-96 (Signed) .//f/C4, 8 L
(Date) (Director, Area Agency on Aging)
iv
(8/96)
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MEMO
To: Barbara J. Kirkmeyer, Chair, Board of County Commissioners
l
From: Walter J. Speckman, Executive Director, Human Services j
Subject: Area Agency on Aging Annual Plan b
Date: December 3, 1996
Enclosed for Board approval is the Weld County Area Agency on Aging Annual Plan Older
Americans Act Funds as required by the State Aging and Adult Services Division of the
Department of Human Services.
The plan outlines 1996 accomplishments and programmatic directions for calender year 1997.
General services to be supported under this plan include:
Homemaker and home health care
Adult day care
Mental health peer counseling
Senior legal aide
Congregate and home delivered meals
Rural senior centers
Well adult clinics
Long term care ombudsman program
Dental services
Hispanic elderly outreach
The plan is not a budget. Service contracts for specific budget amounts will be presented to the
Board in January.
Please call Linda Piper at extension 3320 if you have questions.
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