Michelle Zeidwig Branham

The State Council meeting included discussions on various topics such as spot checks, ombudsman reporting responsibilities, remote voting procedures, information sharing from AHCA, staffing and volunteer recruitment, re-entry guidelines for facilities, and handling facility requests regarding resident visits. The State Ombudsman reported on volunteer numbers, challenges faced, the importance of focusing on residents, staffing shortages, and facility admissions. Workgroup reports covered advocacy, training and education, legislative matters, and recruitment, retention, and recognition efforts. There were discussions on legislation related to dementia training for long-term care staff and the Essential Caregivers Act.

The meeting included a welcome from the Council Chair, a review of training hour requirements and assessment goals by the District Ombudsman Manager, and a report from the State Council Representative on the Recruitment, Retention and Recognition Workgroup. A training session on dealing with challenging people was conducted. Additionally, service anniversaries were acknowledged.

The meeting included a welcome and open session statement by the Council Chair, an update from the District Ombudsman Manager with a discussion of topics for the upcoming Educational Conference and program procedures, and a request for topics for the State Council Meeting from the State Council Representative. The council also discussed protocols related to visitation.

The meeting included updates from the State Council Representative and discussions on the number of routine visits made by ombudsmen. Training topics included the new mileage form, reminders about communication protocols, and explanations of APS, AHCA, and MOUs. Discharges and new CMS guides to ACHA surveys were also discussed. Representatives from Emerald Nursing addressed thoughts on discharges and challenges, and a resident had questions about discharges that were addressed.

This document is a Program Module Update for an Area Plan on Aging, covering the period from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016. The plan is structured around six main goals: empowering older people and individuals with disabilities to access health and long-term care; enabling a high quality of life through home and community-based services and caregiver support; promoting active, healthy lifestyles; protecting legal rights and preventing abuse; fostering community planning and collaboration for the aging population; and ensuring effective and responsive management. The overall objective is to ensure compliance with the Older Americans Act Section 306.