Minutes-06-01-2023-Budget Public Hearing Meeting

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11 Jacquelyn Podger said yes. She said in terms of transition training, they will have one guided visit. Chair Bedford said that there was a discussion about this two years ago and there was not interest. She asked Autumn Cox what has happened to change that. Autumn Cox said the training is now 36 hours broken into three phases, 8 hours of independent study, 10 hours of field training, and a joint committee would split the field training up five & five; divided by Adult Care and Nursing Homes. She said the last phase has been the hold up at the state level. She said there is a start date of June 21st. She said the two applicants that have been interested will take their training this summer. Commissioner Hamilton asked how the field training differs for the two CACs. Jacquelyn Podger said there are some differences, but a lot of similarities. She said she accompanied Shade Little on a visit to Carol Woods the previous week. She wanted to see how their questions differ. Commissioner Hamilton asked Jacquelyn Podger to list specifics. Jacquelyn Podger said staffing is one of those differences. She said they review staffing vs. census to make sure it is posted for each day. She said that the other checklist did not have that specific question. Shade Little said that any time they visit, they have a check list which they review. He said that the real part of what they do is to talk and listen to the clients and that happens no matter where they are or what type of facility. He said their interactions with the people is what they are all about. Autumn Cox said that during the previous discussion, there was no plan for how the trainings would be implemented. She said that now that they have a plan, they know it is not going to be as much of a burden on applicants. She said Chatham County is a joint county and has not had any issues. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they have combined the Board of Health and Social Services in Chatham County. Janice Tyler, Director of the Department on Aging, said she does not think so. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked who monitors the adult care homes and the nursing homes. Autumn Cox said that nursing homes are overseen by the federal government and abide by those regulators. She said for the adult care home side, there are the state regulators and also county monitors with the Department of Social Services. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they go in monthly. Autumn Cox said they go in quarterly or as needed. Janice Tyler said they go in for residents' rights and it is not regulatory. Autumn Cox said they are not regulatory. She said that the rights are similar and the first one is treat everyone with respect, the golden rule. She said that if that is followed, the rest will fall in line. She has a poster in every room with the rights and the role is to be the extra eyes and ears in the facility. She said they are not seen as adversarial to the facilities. She said they have to be able to work with the administrators on some sort of resolution. Chair Bedford asked if members from both groups will be able to find a meeting time that works for everyone. Janice Tyler said they currently meet back-to-back on the same day and in the same room. Autumn Cox said it is 4:00pm and then 5:30pm and all four staff are at them both. Chair Bedford asked if the Board should allow members of the CAC to serve three terms given the scarcity of eligible volunteers. John Roberts said that it is within the Board's power to make that decision if the circumstances necessitate it.