Minutes 03-10-2026-Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Chair Hamilton said that the Board will meet with the City of Mebane on March 19. Commissioner McKee thanked the Planning Board for their work and said he reads their meeting minutes closely. Vice-Chair Fowler also expressed her appreciation to the Planning Board. Tracy Holsinger of the Advisory Board on Aging, with Vice Chair Joanne Wilson, praised the Department of Aging's accomplishments under Janice Tyler's leadership. She said the department improved elder care and now leads statewide efforts in aging plans. She said key achievements include the respite program for dementia caregivers in its second year, the "Aging Well Together" broadcast hitting 100 episodes, and "Sibling Out on the Edge" for older LGBTQ adults. She said the advisory board seeks to enhance access to care and social safety net services. She said they would like to provide enhanced programming for those aged 55-64 facing increased work requirements, and financial aid for taxes, Medicare, and healthy aging initiatives Commissioner Greene thanked the board for their work and said that systems like Medicare enrollment are deliberately complex. Tracey Holsinger said program volunteers offer Medicare expertise assistance. Joanne Wilson noted the wide range of programming at the Senior Center for helping older adults. Commissioner McKee agreed and commented that all the programming and offerings described apply to him. Vice-Chair Fowler said that they also support the senior games and she recently signed up. Commissioner Bedford said her family has also benefitted from the Senior Center's programming, including the Medicare class. Chair Hamilton thanked the board for their work and said that the department works together to serve everyone. Jackie Podger and Shade Little of the Adult Care Home & Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee presented the committee's workplan. Jackie Podger said that the training requirements have increased and described the extensive process members must go through before they can be appointed to the committee. She said they have a very active group of ten members. She said they have been working with a new ombudsman. She said they want to continue the relationships with administrators, activity directors, and resident council members. She said they continue to stress the importance of activities and socialization. She said that the new ombudsman has helped the committee improve relationships with one facility and they are working with a second facility that plans to open six ventilator beds. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for clarification of the ventilator beds. Jackie Podger said a nursing home in the county is planning to offer ventilator beds due to low occupancy, but it requires changes to infrastructure as well as staffing and nursing standards. Commissioner Carter said she'd like to hear a follow-up report on the committee's engagement with facilities. Shade Little said the quality of the facilities in Orange County are very good. He asked the Board to let the community know, because they would like more engagement with facilities. Chair Hamilton asked about the impacts of staffing shortages on facilities. Jackie Podger said that facilities with low staff and restricted budgets are unable to call other agencies for help, so they are doing the best they can. She said that in those situations residents wait for services they need. Shade Little said that despite the challenges, many of the staff they meet still have positive attitudes. He described how hard the staff work under difficult conditions and low pay. Tony Whitaker of the Board of Health described the board's monthly meetings and activities. He said they assist with accreditation for the Health Department. He said their activities center around three focus areas from their strategic plan, which comes from the Community