Minutes 04-14-2022-Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 Dr. Heather Altman said that UNC Hospitals ripped the Band-Aid off on that issue and that they are looking more into solutions. She said they have continued to partner with Meals- on-Wheels to provide meals as well. Janice Tyler said the lunch population doubled during the pandemic. Dr. Heather Altman said there really is no reason for anyone in Orange County to go hungry. Commissioner Greene said she was part of a presentation that presented at the Passmore Center. She said it was about a documentary based on Alicia Spencer's life. She there are people in the community that did not even know about the Passmore Center and had never been there or utilized the services. She said that one employee was there voluntarily and not getting paid and that is a testament to the program and Janice Tyler's leadership. Shade Little and Autumn Cox presented virtually for the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. Shade Little said there are no activities for this committee due to the pandemic. He said they are charged to make visits and that due to COVID they have not made any. He said they try to offer suggestions when they can for improving care. He said the people in these homes are most vulnerable to COVID-19. He said they cannot make unannounced visits due to the potential of bringing in infections. He said they are hopeful that issues noticed in the past have not gotten worse. Commissioner Hamilton asked who is keeping the committee from going into the adult care homes. Autumn Cox said that the state ombudsman, Victor Orija, makes that decision. She said that there are numerous groups that are working on reentry plans. She said that ombudsman program has been going into facilities, it is just that the CAC cannot go in. Commissioner Hamilton asked if there is any indication of when they will be allowed back in. Autumn Cox said she heard perhaps August 1 st, but that is not official. Commissioner Hamilton said it is important to have more people's eyes on facilities to make sure nothing is going poorly. Autumn Cox said she agrees and that the decision for reentry is being based on the entire state of North Carolina. She said that COVID is still present in some long-term care facilities. Vibeke Talley and Autumn Cox presented for the Nursing Home Advisory Committee. Vibeke Talley said that her committee is in the same boat and have not been able to make the visits, but they have resumed their business meetings. She said that they have been given information about PPE and what they will need to know once they are allowed to reenter facilities. She said that the nursing homes are open to visitors so family and friends can go in. She said that those are eyes on the care, and they will report anything that is amiss. She said that pay has increased for nursing assistants to try to encourage them to stay and to help recruit. She said there are not enough nursing assistants to provide really excellent care in Orange County. She said she did not have much to say because they have not made visits. Commissioner McKee asked what the difference is between Autumn Cox is visiting versus the committee. He said that he has a concern about the lack of oversight in these facilities. Autumn Cox said the committee makes advocacy visits. She said she does complaint management for residents. She said the committee brings general concerns to the manager. Commissioner McKee said he wants to know who is restricting the visits and the reasoning for the decision. Autumn Cox said it is not the facility, but it is the state ombudsman who restricts visitation.