Minutes 03-12-2019 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Michael Zuber said in Chapel Hill and Carrboro they are blessed with strong facilities, such as Carol Woods, but the living conditions in the lower level facilities are appalling. He said they frequently see bed bug cleanups, smell of feces, lack of funding, and high staff turnover. He said the facilities receive the reports, but there is a lack of desire to make changes. He said there is legislation on the table to increase public assistance up from $66. He asked if the BOCC would support this effort. He said they are trying to set up committees with local government leaders and the administrators of these facilities. He said many of these facilities are for-profit, and may not be able to receive government funding, but he does think there are areas where improvements can be made. Michael Zuber said the committee feels that local leaders have become apathetic and pessimistic about improving the living conditions for the elderly in Orange County assisted living homes. Commissioner Bedford asked if all 12 facilities are licensed. Michael Zuber said the State licenses and regulates them, and they work with their Triangle J Council of Governments' (TJCOG) Ombudsman. He said there is a real lack of incentive for Administrators to make any improvements. Commissioner Bedford asked if the County has any ability to enforce standards. Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, said the family care homes and assisted living facilities are monitored by the local Department of Social Services (DSS), which is different from the report the Board will hear from the Nursing Home Committee, and those facilities are monitored by the Division of Health Services, which is a State organization. She said locally they do have a bigger stick with the Adult Care Homes and the Assisted Living facilities. She said all are for-profit entities, except for Carol Woods. John Roberts said DSS does help with regulations, but the County does not have any regulatory authority to pass ordinances. He said DSS is inspecting and enforcing based on State rules and regulations. Commissioner Bedford said her daughter lives in a group home that is run by the State, and it is immaculate. She said reports need to be filed, and the press needs to be brought in; whatever it takes. Commissioner Price asked if the completed reports carry any weight. Michael Zuber said the reports are put on the County website and are mailed to administrators, but there is not much push for change. Commissioner Price asked if Janice Tyler reports findings to DSS. Janice Tyler said DSS is typically the connection or the Ombudsman. Michael Zuber said the Ombudsman usually follows up, and it is usually the same facilities that have recurring problems. Chair Rich asked if there is high turnover due to low pay. Michael Zuber said probably, and he was part of a recent visit where he saw an unattended med cart in the hallway, which he brought up to the staff who did not seem at all concerned. He said these are issues that cannot be swept under the rug. He said many counties are struggling with similar issues, but there needs to be good, affordable, quality care. Commissioner Marcoplos said he would like to have a Board of County Commissioners representative at these meetings. Michael Zuber said they meet at 4 p.m. every two months, and are trying to have more field meetings with the administrators. Janice Tyler said these committees meet onsite, and these meetings are back to back with the Nursing Care Homes meetings. She said Commissioners are welcome at both meetings.