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4 <br /> The tension between the Department and the Committee may be <br /> attributed to the complexion of the Committee. There are <br /> members who are professionals in areas that allow them to <br /> have a sharper eye on a variety of issues involving medical <br /> and social needs. Also, there has been a shift in how the <br /> members see their role and there has been an increase in <br /> commitment by all members in their work as advocates for <br /> residents in long term care. <br /> WI ,le the Committee understands its role is in an advisory <br /> cajacity, there have been issues, situations and opinions <br /> that member felt should be addressed. The Committee has been <br /> more forward in expectations and responsibilities of DSS. <br /> We feel the shift and growth of the Committee has been an <br /> adjustment for DSS. We have worked to keep the lines of <br /> communication open with DSS (as well as other agencies and <br /> individuals) and we anticipate the period of adjustment to <br /> stabilize. The members of the Committee and DSS will <br /> continue to work together. <br /> 5. Was the committee involved in a grievance resolution <br /> during the year? <br /> No <br /> 6. Summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the facilities <br /> in the county. <br /> The majority of the homes in Orange County are operated by <br /> competent and caring operators and staff. Most of the <br /> operators' intentions are well in providing care for <br /> residents. Staff at the facilities are generally empathetic <br /> and compassionate. The operators and staff understand the <br /> availability of community resources and use these resources <br /> appropriately (such as home health or transportation <br /> services) . <br /> The weakness of Orange County domiciliary homes include some <br /> of the following: lack of cleanliness in some facilities; <br /> food preparation (residents sometimes complain about the <br /> quality of food as well as monotony of their menus) ; the lack <br /> of meaningful activities; restraint policies (there has been <br /> an incr€: a of restraint use observations during 1994 by the <br /> Committe is well as related concerns) ; smoking policies <br /> Page 3 <br />