HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging & Disability Advisory Committee - Minutes - 5/17/2021
Final-approved at the
9/20/21 ADAC meeting.
BAYFIELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Conference Room A remote via phone access
May 17, 2021
3:00 p.m.
Committee Members Present
via Conference Call: Lynette Benzschawel, Richard Kemmer, Karen Anderson,
David Zepczyk
Committee Member Excused: Sam Ray
Committee Member Absent: Red Cliff Elder Program Representative
Staff Present
via Conference Call: Carrie Linder, Alannah Belanger, Karen Bodin
Others Present:
Call to Order and Introductions- Chairperson Kemmer called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. and
roll call was taken.
Discussion and Possible Action-Review of the January 25, 2021 Meeting Minutes- Zepczyk motioned to
accept January 25, 2021 meeting minutes and was second by Anderson on May 17,2021.
Discussion and Possible Action-Review of the April 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes- Zepczyk motioned
to accept April 12, 2021 meeting minutes and was second by Anderson on May 17,2021.
Elder Abuse Presentation-Speaker- Karen Bodin, Adult Protective Services Specialist- Bayfield
County Department of Human Services, presented on elder abuse in Bayfield County . Elders are
individuals that are 60 years old or older who may experience abuse that can range from
physical/emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-induced. Bodin discussed the
importance of investigating each referral that is received and ensuring the individuals rights are being
protected. The rights include the right to make decisions, using the least restrictive option in helping the
individual, right to privacy, and the right to no harm and benefit of doubt. Referrals are received from
medical professionals, Law Enforcement, and family members. Reports from 2020 show that Bayfield
county received 71 abuse referrals, and 32 adults at risk referrals. Linder added that it is important to
gain trust and rapport with individuals being referred. Bodin shared that on June 11, 2021 at 10:30 am
there will be a parade in Washburn, WI to bring awareness to elder abuse in Bayfield County. The
walk will end at Washburn City Hall where there will be a short presentation on elder abuse and the
Mayor will read a proclamation.
Discussion and Possible Action-World Elder Abuse Day Proclamation- Linder asked the
committee for their support in helping to recognize and protect elders from abuse, and to deem June
15th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Zepczyk motioned and Anderson second the request on May
17,2021. Chairman Kemmer to sign the proclamation.
2022-2024 Aging Plan for Bayfield County-Community Engagement Strategy and Goal
Development- Linder recapped the presentation at the April meeting presented by Pam VanKampen.
Linder is in the process of obtaining information to develop a 3-year plan for 2022-2024 based on
information from older adults, and agencies that work with older adults. Linder has gathered about 100
surveys from the COVID-19 vaccination clinics and has an electronic copy of the survey upload to
Bayfield County’s website. Linder is asking the committee members to use the surveys in their
communities and interview individuals to receive feedback. She encourages the committee members
to engage and get local information, her goal is to send three copies of the survey to each committee
member to engage in one-on-one conversation with community members. Linder asked the committee
members if they can commit to the task, she is looking for “the good, the bad, and the ugly”. Survey
due date is June 11, 2021. Linder will be presenting the first draft of goals to the committee at the July
meeting.
Congregate Meal Program -Status Update- Advice from WIDHS is that congregate meals should be
the last aging service to open; Linder states she is hopeful these will occur this fall 2021. This is the
perfect time to think about what we can be doing differently in our community. Linder is holding 10
informational sessions around Bayfield County to obtain feedback on what older adults would like to
see when congregate meal sites are reopened.
Other (Program updates and informational items)
A. Volunteer Driver Program: Update- This program is restarting on June 1, 2021 with a new
name: Transportation Assistance Program. Changes have been implemented to help meet the
needs of the drivers and the riders. Riders must fill out a registration form. A vetting process to
ensure a good match between driver and rider will occur. Linder stated that drivers are
reimbursed for gas per the current Federal IRS rate. Drivers must be vaccinated to participate in
the program.
B. ADRC Vaccination Outreach grant: Update- Linder stated that the Federal Government
released funds to help reach out to more citizens to get them vaccinated. Linder is working on
sending out a county wide newsletter to share the most up to date information to help county
members make the best educated decision for their personal situation. Linder hopes that this
can help rise above the debate to allow community members to learn about all the options and
choices to make the best decision for themselves.
Future Meeting Date:
Next meeting: July 19, 2021
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:12 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Alannah Belanger, Clerk I
5/18/2021