2020 Office for Aging Annual Report

2020 Office For Aging Annual Report

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Cassella

Washington County Office for Aging and Disabilities Resource Center Gina Cantanucci-Mitchell Director

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Table of Contents Introductory Letter by Director 5 Mission Statement 7 Meet the Team 8 - 9 Accounting 10 NY Connects 11 - 16 Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) 17 Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) 18 Health Promotion 19 Loneliness & Social Isolation 20 Transportation 21 OFA Caregiver Support Services 22 Personal Care Services 23 OFA Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) 24 OFA Social Adult Day Services 24 DSS Adult Protective Services (APS) 25 OFA Legal Services 26 Nutrition Services 27 –31 OFA Senior Center Recreation and Education 32 Emergency Assistance 33 OFA Public Outreach 34 Voter Registration 34 OFA Advisory Council 35 Washington County Senior Clubs 35 Washington County State Senior of the Year 36 –37 Survey’s/Public Feedback 38 –40 Retirement News 41 Inner-Office Activities 42-43 DSS/OFA Employee Contributions 44 Cover Photo Credit 45

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A Message from Executive Director Cantanucci-Mitchell

Washington County Office for Aging and Disability Resource Center is truly a leader in innovative programs and services that promotes independence, respect, and dignity for older adults. I am pleased to present to you Office for Aging and Disabilities Resource Center’s 2020 Annual Report. This report details operations, and highlights the impact aging services have on Washington County Communities. Included in this year’s report is supporting data for 2020 programs that include both OFA and DSS. For further viewing of this year’s Annual Report and prior Annual Reports, please visit our website.

The Older Americas Act (OAA) is the primary source of guidance for aging services since its inception in 1965. The Act's funding for services is supplemented by Federal, State, and local funds. In New York State, the New York State Office for Aging (NYSOFA) is our oversight Agency.

In addition to what is offered under OAA, we implement several other programs and services, such as our commendable NY Connects program under the Department of Health, Health Insurance Information and Assistance Program (HIICAP; aka SHIP under the Federal Government), and the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) services. Through our collaborations and partnerships with many agencies, we also provide and support a multitude of local services and programs, like Emergency Planning and Friendly Visiting.

In 2020, the COVID 19 pandemic paused many of our typical activities, like public events. Although several staff were removed from reporting to our office during the Municipal Center closure, there were a few of us who continued to report to the office on daily basis to ensure our core services continued. To add, several ADRC staff were able to work remotely with great success.

Like many other agencies during this pandemic, we made adaptions to how we provide services. We are engaging in more virtual activities, using social media more than ever before, and implementing new programs to address the increase in social isolation and loneliness, like Friendly Calling and Companion Pets.

Even during this unchartered time, we still see older New Yorkers continuing to be a tremendous asset to their communities economically, socially, and intellectually. Washington County OFA/ADRC will still stand behind this observation and will prioritize services that help maintain independence and support older adults to living healthier lives.

If you would like to learn more about our programs and/or achievements, or would like to discuss the information provided in this report, please feel free to contact me. I would like to thank the Board of Supervisors for all of their support and the Office for Aging and Disabilities Resource Center employees for their commitment and dedication to serving individuals in Washington County.

Sincerely,

Gina Cantanucci-Mitchell Executive Director

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Washington County Office for Aging and Disabilities Resource Center

The Mission of the Washington County Office for Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is the provision of unbiased education, information, referral and service to residents in need of emergency or long term home and community based supports. We meet identified needs in the most appropriate way, respecting an individual’s right to choose without regard to income. The ADRC is available through an agreement between the Department of Social Services and the Office for Aging. The two Departments work as one collective unit delivering a wider continuum of services for the residents of Washington County than either Department could provide. This is made available without any disruption to the recipients of our services.

Office for Aging and Disabilities Resource Center staff serve on many coalitions and committees. To include the RSVP Advisory Council, the Adirondack Rural Health Network, the Adirondack Health Institutes DSRIP project, Council for Prevention’s Suicide Coalition, Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Project, Public Health’s Healthy Communities Coalition, Washington County’s Emergency Operation Center, Public Safety’s CEPA team, Public Health’s Bio-terrorism Team, Inter-Agency Council, and the Community Action Agency’s Rural Impact County Challenge and other community action meetings/coalitions.

Gina Cantanucci-Mitchell Mindy Dudley Grace Noble Naomi Stimpson-Phillips Director Senior Typist Typist Typist 15 Years of Service 15 Years of Service 13 Years of Service 12 Years of Service NYConnects Call Center

Stephanie Ball Marianne Graham Sharon Zayachek Rachelle Bessette April Martin Training & Resource Senior Typist Community Services Worker Community Services Community Services Development Coord. 17 Years of Service 4 Years of Service Worker Worker 19 Years of Service 3 Years of Service (provisional) Joined us in 2020 Adult Services/Home Care

Jodie Smith Suzanne Cody Jean Marie Lundgren Trisha Parrish Heather Jett Supervisor Senior Caseworker Caseworker Caseworker Caseworker 22 Years of Service 21 Years of Service 19 Years of Service 7 Years of Service 14 Years of Service

Nicole Martens Shane Hogan Patty Ayers Alicia Altizio Colleen Maziejka Caseworker Caseworker Caseworker Caseworker Caseworker 16 Years of Service 5 Years of Service 5 Years of Service 14 Years of Service Joined us in 2020 8

Nutrition

Elizabeth Humiston Nutrition Services Coord. Mary Maynard-Fenton Peggy Lindsey Hellin LeClaire (provisional) Team Leader Team Leader Meal Site Manager 2 Years of Service 20 Years of Service 20 Years of Service 31 Years of Service

Edwin Morse Ed Walkup James McDougall Diane Cuthbert Doug Alber Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Driver Driver Driver Driver Driver 25 Years of Service 12 Years of Service 8 Years of Service 6 Years of Service 5 Years of Service

William Townsend Raymond Austin Paige Delorme Laura McMorland Donald Miller Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Driver Driver Driver (per diem) Driver (per diem) Driver (per diem) 5 Years of Service 3 Years of Service Joined us in 2020 Joined us in 2020 Joined us in 2020

Pauline Charpentier Dan Jones Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Driver (per diem) Driver (per diem) 9 Joined us in 2020 Joined us in 2020

Accounting

DSS/OFA Comparison of Expenditures to Revenue

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic 2019 2020 DSS Salaries $6,120,329 $6,390,948 The Office for the Aging (OFA) operates the Fringe $2,843,074 $2,812,468 Home Delivered Meal (HDM) program which provides a nutritious hot meal to qualified Sr. Citizens and their caregivers OFA Salaries $359,893 $431,617 most weekdays throughout the year. In Fringe $121,335 $137,289 addition to having employees of OFA deliver the meals on routes throughout the County, Equipment $75,182 $71,266 the delivery on other routes were historically made through a contractual relationship with Administrative Expenses $1,560,936 $1,529,742 Community, Work & Independence (CWI). With the outbreak of COVID-19, CWI ceased Program Expenses $8,207,285 $8,088,137 meal delivery routes. Total Cost of DSS/OFA $19,288,034 $19,461,467 At the same time, the regulations for Programs qualifying for HDM became less restrictive and the demand increased demonstrably. The Total Revenues $14,581,621 $14,662,845 immediate need for assistance was filled by Net Cost of DSS/OFA the employees of both OFA and DSS. Programs $4,706,413 $4,798,622 With the Support of the Board of (Not including Medicaid) Supervisors, a plan was developed to modify the staffing structure of the HDM program % DSS/OFA Revenue 75.60% 75.34% and additional Per Diem Drivers were hired to fulfill the ongoing demand. The budget impact of this unprecedented midyear shift County Medicaid Cost $11,010,856 $10,122,218 was a marked increase in OFA salaries and fringe.

2020 Cost Saving Measures

Fiscally, a major focus for the County was to avoid any discretionary costs for the year in order to offset the financial uncertainty facing local governments due to the pandemic. DSS determined the ability to capitalize on the decrease in public access to our offices as well as the waivers that were available for some of our eligibility programs. Between these two factors, the Department was able to save salary and fringe costs for multiple Typist and Examiner titles that were vacated throughout the year for various reasons. In addition, through a collaborative effort with the Board of Supervisors, Resolution #226 was passed on September 18th decreasing several appropriation categories in the combined DSS/OFA Budget to contribute to a reduction of the appropriated Fund Balance in the County General Fund.

NY CONNECTS

NY Connects designates us as an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)!

The NY Connects: Choices for Long Term Care program was established in 2006 by the New York State Office for the Aging in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health. NY Connects was implemented in counties across the State, with the goal of promoting seamless access to long-term care services and supports for older individuals, as well as, people of all ages with disabilities, to enable them to remain at home and in the community. NY Connects is a locally based "No Wrong Door" system that provides one stop access to free, objective, comprehensive information and assistance for people with disabilities of all ages and older adults needing long term services and supports. In 2007, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was initiated between Washington County’s Office for Aging and the Department of Social Services. With the implementation of the MOU between both Departments, Washington County’s own “No Wrong Door” system was developed. The partnership between both Departments allows individuals of all ages to go to a single place to seek out the information and assistance that they are searching for. This “No Wrong Door” structure gives us a greater capacity to respond to the growing need and diversity of Information and Assistance requests.

Check Us Out:

 Facebook

 Washington County website

 NYConnects.gov

 ADK Wellness Connections

NY Connects cont. Options Counseling/Person Centered Counseling A component of the NY Connects program is Options Counseling/Person Centered Counselling (OC/PCC). How is Options Counseling / Person-Centered Counseling Different from Information and Assistance? This service is for individuals, caregivers, and families who need more ongoing assistance, not just information and requires more time than the average information and assistance call. OC/PCC encourages individuals to look beyond immediate needs to plan for the future. The service is most helpful for people who are: • contemplating future planning for Long term services and supports • experiencing a major life changing event • caregivers needing help providing continued care • young adults transitioning from school-based systems to adult service systems • individuals transitioning from facility-based care to home

Options Counseling/Person-Centered Counseling (OC/PCC) is based on the core values of individual choice, direction, and control. OC/PCC is also based on the principle of ensuring people have enough support to experience typical, inclusive, and preferred opportunities in a culturally relevant way.

In Washington County, we offer Case Workers who are trained specifically to provide OC/PCC services. Our Case Workers help people who are experiencing a variety of circumstances sort and manage the many choices they have to make. They do this by helping people consider what's important to them and for them and how they would like to balance these aspects of their lives. They help people connect to natural supports, adaptations, and accommodations, along with services and programs as make sense given the person's preferences. They also support consideration of future needs in a proactive way, trying to understand what is meaningful to the person. Resource Directory NY Connects maintains a Resource Directory that provides an online resource directory of providers of long term services and supports, information about the different types of such services, and contact information for the local programs. In order for this Resource Directory to be as updated and accurate as possible, NY Connects staff actively participate on local committees consisting of NYSDOH, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (OASAS) and Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). In addition, to keep a pulse on current services, programs and initiatives, NY Connects staff attend local training and informational meetings, as well as, nationwide webinars and partner with the following local groups:

¨ Adirondack Rural Health Network ¨ Adirondack Health Institute ¨ FEMA Core Advisory Group ¨ Hometown vs Heroin Coalition ¨ Partners in Hope North Country ¨ Warren/Washington Suicide Prevention Coalition ¨ Criminal Justice and Community Task Force These partnerships foster new connections in our local region and provides coordinated access to the many programs in the area which is key to breaking down system barriers that communities may encounter. To reach a NY Connects Information Specialist, call us between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday, at (518) 746- 2420 or 1-800-848-3303. We have access to Language Line for free language interpreter services, as well as a Captel telephone and TTY. We can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected]

NY Connects Statistics

NY Connects Statistics cont.

CONTACTS BY AGE OF CONSUMER Age 60 yrs of age or older 2,935

Age 59 years of 209 age and younger

SOURCE TYPE (2020 TOP 3)

Self 2,639 Local Agency or 433 Human Service Friend, Neighbor 72 or Relative

MODE OF CONTACT

Face to Face 213

Phone Call 2,931

NY Connects Long Term Care Council

It is required that each NY service delivery system and makes recommendations Connects agency maintain a related to program development and service Long Term Care Council. It implementation. is the mission of the Long There are currently 227 members. The Executive Term Care Council to Committee facilitates networking and educational objectively consider and events for the membership to keep current with issues evaluate the needs of county affecting the community with the purpose of better residents who are seeking long term care and serving our consumers. assistance. The Council identifies gaps in the current Long-Term Care Council 2020 Topics

March 12, 2020 Treatment and Prevention. Kym Hance, Herzog Law Firm PC Since 1946, the Herzog Law Firm PC has been Debbie and Bruce Hersey Director and Deputy dedicated to providing clients with unparalleled Director NENY presented on their work and how we as legal advice and counsel. As a full-service Estate LTCC members can work together. Bruce is a Planning and Elder Law firm, we pride ourselves on NYSDOCCS Chaplain; Warren County Sheriff’s Office being able to walk you and your family through all Chaplain (focus on addressing religious question/ stages of Estate, Medicaid, and Tax Planning as well concerns}. Also, networking with the Interfaith as Guardianships, Estate Administration and Care Community for requested referrals and support.

Management Services. Coming Compassion Line

An “800 Number” for New York State which will be Adrienne Slayko and Shannon Boreali presented manned 24/7 and have the ability to refer callers to about services offered by Northern Rivers Mobile chaplains who listen and help refer individuals to Crisis Unit. supportive agencies in their region. Goal is to prevent unnecessary hospitalization & emergency room visits by stabilizing the crisis in the September 16, 2020 most normalized, least restrictive setting. The Conkling Center, Joan Tarantino Joan Tarantino, Executive Director, gave an overview Rose Landau presented about services offered by of the programs, services and resources currently Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY offered by The Conkling Center and the changes due Civil law firm serving vulnerable communities. to COVID-19. Contact info: [email protected] or 518-793-1494 or Scott Sopczyk presented about services offered by www.theconklingcenter.org Greater Glens Falls Transit www.gftransit.org Please see website for information on service area & Choice Connections New York, Renee Birnbaum places GGFT goes, planning your trip using your Renee Birnbaum, Choice Connections NY presented route map (website), getting on bus (bus stop or on the free senior housing advisory services service the flagging down), paying fare, transferring buses to Greater Capital Region, North country, Southern continue to final destination, ADA and mobility Vermont and the Berkshires. Contact info: devices, FAME (Freedom and Mobility Express) [email protected] or 518-894-2443 or www.choiceconnectionsny.com paratransit program, contact information.

AHI, Sara Deukmejian June 11, 2020 Sara Deukmejian, AHI, presented on the new Katie Stair, Executive Director, Hudson Mohawk “Supporting LGBTQ + Health and Wellness” series and AHEC presented an Introduction to Hudson Mohawk resource website provided by the Adirondack Rural AHEC explaining their mission and their programs: Health network. Contact info: Career Exposure, Field Placement and AHEC [email protected] or 518-480-0111 x 3317 Scholars, Continuing Education, Opioid Abuse or www.ahihealth.org

Long-Term Care Council 2020 Topics cont.

High Peaks Hospice, Nick George Executive Director, Nick George, presented an Parent2Parent Tina Beauparlant: P2P offers family overview of services offered and how High Peaks support services to caregivers of special needs Hospice can connect with your agency to give the children and young adults. Accomplished by people of our communities the best life possible. fostering natural supports, participating in Contact info: [email protected] or 518 communities, training and education, peer mentor -354-3141 or www.highpeakshospice.org matching program, volunteer workshops, health advocacy education, special ed advocacy assistance, family empowerment education. For further info December 3, 2020 contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4370 or [email protected] L.E.A.P. Jennifer Frigolette: LEAP stands for Learning,

Employment, Assistance and Partnership. Learning: ACCES-VR Brandon Waylett: Acces-VR statewide Offer Headstart for preschool age kids. Employment: federally funded program for adults and young adults For adults and older youth GED assistance, as well as to assist in employment and success. Plans can be funding youth to work in community. Assistance: very individualized to meet the needs of each food pantry, senior transportation, community participant. For further info contact Brandon at office: garden, emergency assistance. Partnership: always 457-2439 or email [email protected] looking to partner with the community at large to assist with gaps in service identified. For more info contact Jennifer at: 518.746.2194 or at [email protected]

NY Connects Receives ADRC Federal Stimulus Funds In 2020, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) was awarded a discretionary grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to support Aging and Disability Resource Centers/No Wrong Door Systems (ADRC/NWD) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. This funding is a result of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriation Act, 2020 for the period of April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. This emergency funding is to support immediate responses to urgent needs resulting from COVID-19 by enabling the NY Connects NWD System to provide critical access functions to those populations most at risk of COVID-19.

The purpose of this funding is to enable local NY Connects systems to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic. It is to support efforts to enhance and increase virtual access to services; including paying for broadband internet access for those unable to afford it. The purpose of this funding is to enable the NY Connects NWD System to respond to the emergent and critical needs of its target populations, including younger individuals with disabilities, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding any provisions in the NY Connects Program Standards to the contrary, funds under this award may be used in providing direct services, including the purchase and/or delivery of meals and groceries, other basic necessities, school supplies, clothing, household items, cleaning supplies, household repairs or maintenance, pest/bug removal, unanticipated needs such as medical needs not covered by insurance or Medicaid, personal items/supplies, etc.

For the year 2020, we served 17 people/families through the ADRC Stimulus funds with services and items like: utility arrears, snow plowing, broadband, beds, housing assistance, dumpster, clothing, court fees, and home delivered meals.

Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) Do you have questions about Medicare or your health insurance? HIICAP provides free, accurate and objective information, counseling, assistance and advocacy on Medicare, private health insurance, and related health coverage plans. HIICAP helps people with Medicare, their representatives, or persons soon to be eligible for Medicare. The answers to your questions are just a free phone call away. Our certified Medicare Counselors take their time with each person to educate them about their options, as well as, screen them for the Medicare Savings Program, Low Income Subsidy and EPIC. These programs provide great discounts toward their prescription needs.

HIICAP Topics # of People Served 1/1/2020—12/31/20 Medicare Information/Counseling 321 Health Insurance Information & Counseling 419 Medicaid (general info.) 264 Social Security Benefits 27 Veteran Benefits Assistance 3 Long Term Care 4 Managed Health Care 8

Health and Wellness

2020 certainly made it a challenge to provide Printed Material (monthly mailing, web page and Facebook) information and programs to individuals in the community. We were not able to hold our Annual • NY.Gov - Avoiding Drugged Driving – An Old- er Drivers Prescription for Safety Health and Wellness Fall Festival, however we • National Council on Aging Falls Prevention - maximized our presence in social media and Debunking the Myths of Older Adult Falls monthly community mailings to get the word out. • Alcohol Concerns in Older Adults Virtual Programs (advertised) • Monthly Support Groups for Caregivers and Older Adults • Alzheimer’s Association of NENY • Medicare Health and Wellness • Visiting Nurse Services of NY - Tai Chi, • Mental Health Zumba, Chair Exercises, Chair yoga • Addiction and Family Recovery • Mental Health • Kinship Navigator • Addiction Services and Recovery • COVID-19 • Caregiver Support Initiative – Dementia • Elder Abuse Webinar Series • Nutrition Programs • Senior Farmer’s Market Coupons 17

Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)

On July 15, 2008, Congress enacted the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), Pub. Law 110-275. MIPPA is a multi-faceted piece of legislation containing several important provisions that directly changed the Medicare program and allocated federal for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to provide outreach to low-income Medicare beneficiaries to increase enrollment in Medicare low-income assistance programs. Using information from the Census Bureau, individuals were identified as being lower income and Offered information and assistance regarding health insurance, Medicare discounts through Medicare savings Program and low income subsidy. A special targeted outreach was done by mail to farmers in Washington County to specifically reach eligible migrant workers. In Shushan, we reached out to 162 individuals age 60 and over. MIPPA

Our staff continually look for events and opportunities to share information about MIPPA and provide individualized assistance for individuals who are applying for benefits.

Health Promotion

In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, both the Savvy Caregiver and the Tai Chi for Arthritis programs could not be facilitated due to the requirement of them needing to be operated in a group setting. Instead, we continued to share health promotional educational information through our monthly mailings, Senior Times newspaper, Facebook page and our website. In addition, we supported health promotional events being performed virtually by other agencies. Health promotional services and activities that address chronic disease prevention and management, promote physical and mental health, improve or maintain quality of life, and increase awareness and understanding of healthy lifestyles.

Savvy Caregiver In Washington County, we partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to provide an evidenced based program to caregivers, called Savvy Caregiver. This is a multi session program that helps caregivers better understand the changes their loved ones are experiencing and how to best provide individual care for loved ones along the continued decline associated with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Tai Chi

We partner with Washington County Public Health for the implementation of an evidenced based program called Tai Chi for Arthritis. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice of slow, continuous, whole body movements, strung together in a “form.” Like dance, the movements are learned and followed one after another, in a particular order. Tai Chi has been shown to increase strength, flexibility, sense of wellbeing, and balance. It has also shown to decrease pain in joints, stress, high blood pressure, falls and fall risks.

N Y S O F T

How We Address Loneliness and Social Isolation In-Home Contact and Support

During the 2020 COVID who were working from 19 pandemic, there was a home during the Covid- great increase in social 19 pause reached out by isolation and loneliness telephone to all of our For the period of amongst older adults. Our home delivered meals 03/1/2020 through office immediately went consumers. We quickly 12/31/2020 we served a into action and learned from our calls total of 36 consumers with implemented new that our consumers In-Home Contact and programs. enjoyed hearing from us. Support Telephone We heard from several Reassurance services. If someone has concerns or questions their feelings telephone call recipients of loneliness, our staff have the ability to access an that they felt a sense of online tool called the Loneliness Scale. After safety and comfort knowing that someone was completing a short series of questions, a summary is checking in on them. This made us ask ourselves, provided. This allows the person to evaluate their “why not continue to do this?”. own situation. Fortunately, our State/Federal funding gives us the In addition, we now offer robotic companion ability to provide this service under the service type pets. Companion Pets are designed to bring of “In-Home Contact and Support”. Our staff now comfort, companionship, and fun to elder loved provide telephone reassurance which is a regularly ones. Our interactive cats and pups are all about an scheduled telephone contact made with an older ease-of-care and convenience that pairs with person. This voluntary service is now offered to technology for the best possible experience. Data individuals with active cases. The calls simply start has shown that robotic pets have a great impact on with “how are you doing today?” and conversations reducing loneliness. If it is felt that a robotic pet could be about the would address someone’s loneliness, our office has weather, their family the ability to offer someone one of our limited and/or friends, their supply of pets. It cannot be stressed enough that pets, how they are these are companion pets and are not to be confused staying active and with “children’s toys”. healthy, and more.

Lastly, there is our new Friendly Calling program. When the public pause first started, we felt separated from our consumers and it made us question how they were feeling being separated from everyone else. We went into action and office support staff

Transportation

Transportation is a critical component in the array of services provided by Senior Transportation Washington County’s Office for Aging. Many older adults utilize the Services transportation services offered by the aging network to enable them to gain access to needed services and maintain their dignity, independence, and Unduplicated Count of connection to their communities. Individuals Served:

Transportation services, provided through a partnership with our local 10/1/2018 – 9/30/2019: 104 Community Action Agency named LEAP, allow Washington County 6,571 units of service individuals age 60 and older to participate in programs, get to medical appointments, go grocery shopping, pick up prescriptions and reach other 10/1/2019 –9/30/2020: 73 vital destinations while remaining independent in their own homes. 3,467 units of service

In addition, we support the Kingsbury/Ft. Edward Senior Center for * 1 way trip = 1 unit of service transportation services. The Senior Center offers transportation to and from the center. In addition, they offer transportation for grocery shopping, and Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our data shows many other various events. that there was a decrease in both people served and units In 2020, DSS and OFA reassigned “DSS Transportation” services to the of service. ADRC from the DSS Administrative Division. There is no fee for transportation services. However, a suggested contribution is applied Our Community Services Workers provide transportation services for folks of all ages, with active cases under DSS and/or ADRC to individuals and families. This included grocery shopping, housing services, medical appointments and family visitation for youth in foster care, etc.

The other “half” of the Community Services Worker is to assist in the ADRC Call Center taking calls that request Information & Referral for a vast array of Provider Agencies within the community.

During the “PAUSE” the provision of Transportation Assistance was also paused. The Workers remained busy though … they were redeployed to assist with delivering meals to individuals age 60 and older through the OFA Home Delivered Meals program.

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Washington County Office for Aging contracts with the Glens Falls Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. to provide services to Unduplicated Count of Washington County residents age 60 and older who are blind or visually Individuals Served: impaired for the promotion of independent living in the community. 4/1/19 - 12/31/19: 31 Services include, but are not limited to, transportation, adaptive living equipment and instruction, social activity, vision screenings, and 4/1/20 - 12/31/20: 9 information/assistance/referral services.

OFA Caregiver Support Services Caregiver Support Services are designed to offer informal caregivers such as family, friends and neighbors of all ages to carry out caregiving responsibilities. Caregiver support services provide information and assistance (case management), caregiver trainings, respite in the form of level 1 and level 2 personal care assistance, consumer directed in-home services, in-home contact and support services, and social adult day services, and supplemental services of transportation and personal emergency response services. These services are defined as follows: Assistance Case Management Services consist of assessment and Research (CADER) program. reassessment, care planning, arranging for services, follow- Caregivers Served: up and monitoring and discharge planning. Case 10/1/2018-9/30/2019: 31 Caregivers with 113 Management services are provided by our Case Workers Units of Service who are certified by Boston University’s School of Social 10/1/2019-9/30/2020: 18 Caregivers with 69 Work’s Center for Aging & Disability Education & Units of Service Caregiver Trainings /Support Groups Caregiver Training/Support Groups are provided by our Caregivers Served: CADER certified Case Workers and provide caregivers 10/1/2018-9/30/2019: 42 Caregivers with 52 with instruction to improve knowledge and performance to Units of Service specific skills related to their caregiving roles and respon- 10/1/2019-9/30/2020: 12 Caregivers with 12 sibilities. Units of Service Respite Personal Care (PC) Services is non-medical care caregivers to care for an older person in a home provided in 2 ways and is divided by levels: environment and can provide non-institutional Level 1 PC services are in the form of household respite supports chores, shopping, laundry, preparing meals, In-Home Contact and Support Services and managing money, escorting to appointments, and activities are designed to provide support to other essential tasks/errands. caregivers for their care receivers who are isolated Level 2 PC services are tasks that may include all of because of physical and/or cognitive limitations. level 1 assistance and also include bathing, These Services include but not limited to: shopping dressing, grooming, toileting, walking and assistance, friendly visiting, supervision, and transferring assistance, supervising and providing errands. support to the consumer for their medication Social Adult Day Services (SADS) is a structured, administration, routine skin care, and other comprehensive program which provides essential non-medical care. functionally impaired individuals with Consumer Directed In-Home Personal Care Services is socialization, supervision and monitoring, personal a system in which the individual in need of care, or care and nutrition in a protective setting. SADS their family/caregiver determine what services are provide caregivers an opportunity for much necessary. They do the decision making. It is a deserved respite. creative way to enable older American’s to Respite Totals: maintain their independence and dignity by making 10/1/2018-9/30/2019: 18 Caregivers with 2,618 their own choices in the services they receive by Units of Service directing their own care. This program enhances 10/1/2019-9/30/2020: 13 Caregivers with 2,331 the ability of family members or other informal Units of Service Supplemental Caregiver Support Services Transportation services are provided to caregivers to Supplemental Caregiver Support Service Totals: assist with their caregiving transportation needs. 10/1/2018-9/30/2019: 12 Caregivers with 465 Units of Service Personal Emergency Response services utilizes an electronic device to alert appropriate people of the need for 10/1/2019-9/30/2020: 9 Caregivers with 383 immediate assistance in the event of an emergency in an Units of Service older person home. This support offers caregivers an additional tool in caring for their loved one. 22

Personal Care Services

OFA Personal Care Services (Non Medicaid Services) People Units of Personal Care I Served Service OFA contracts with several home care agencies to 10/1/18 - 9/30/19 provide Level 1 and Level 2 in-home personal care 40 4,525 assistance for Washington County residents age 60 and 10/1/19 – 9/30/20 43 6,121 older who do NOT qualify for Medicaid. Personal Care II This is a case managed program that enables many frail older adults to remain in their home. The goal is to 10/1/18 - 9/30/19 18 2,084 improve access to cost effective, non-medical in-home services and supports for non-Medicaid older adults 10/1/19 – 9/30/20 17 2,079 who have functional impairments in the area of their * 1 hour of service = activities of daily living. 1 unit of service

DSS Medicaid Personal Care Services 2020 Statistics For Medicaid-eligible persons of all ages, local social services districts contract with home-care agencies that employ aides to provide Personal Care Assistance 8 Medicaid funded personal care services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing, toileting, and grooming. The local social services Consumer Directed Per- office then notifies the individual of the services that will be provided 114 sonal Care Assistance and the need for services is reassessed approximately every six months. New York State Department of Health oversees the local DSS Care at Home 7 administration of the program.

If a person can direct their own care, it is called Consumer Directed Personal Care Services (CDPAP). A Registered Nurse will determine whether a person can appropriately participate in CDPAP. If a person can appropriately participate, that person/consumer will be responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, supervising and terminating their own caregivers/aides. Care at Home is a Medicaid-waiver program that provides community-based services to physically disabled children who require hospital or skilled nursing home level of care and allows the child to be at home instead of in an institutional setting.

OFA Services

OFA Consumer Directed In-Home Services

Office For Aging’s Consumer Directed In-Homes Personal Care Services is a system in which the Unduplicated Count of Individuals Served: individual in need of care, or their family determine what services are necessary. They do the decision making. It is a creative way to enable older Americans 10/1/18—9/30/19: 16 People served to maintain their independence and dignity by making 3,773 units of service* their own choices in the services they receive by directing their own care. 10/1/19 – 9/30/20: 14 people served 3,003 units of service* * 1 hour of service = 1 unit of service

OFA Personal Emergency Response (PERS)

OFA contracts with the Glens Falls Hospital's Medical Unduplicated Count of Individuals Served: Alert Program. This service is provided to Washington County residents age 60 and older for the utilization of 10/1/18—9/30/19: 53 People served an electronic device to alert appropriate people of the 376 units of service*

need for immediate assistance in the event of an 10/1/19 – 9/30/20: 45 people served emergency situation. 441 units of service* * 1 device per month = 1 unit of service

OFA Social Adult Day Services

A structured comprehensive program which provides functionally impaired individuals with socialization, Unduplicated Count of Individuals Served: supervision and monitoring, personal care and nutrition in a protective setting during any part of the day, but for less 10/1/18—9/30/19: 4 People served than a 24 hour period. 1,298 units of service*

OFA contract with Holbrooks Adult Home, Fort Hudson 10/1/19 – 9/30/20: 3 people served and the Danforth for Social Adult Day Services. 852 units of service* During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Social Adult Day programs * 1 hour of service = 1 unit of service closed.

N Y S O F T DSS Adult Protective Services (APS)

APS is a program serving adults, 18 or older, who may be in need of protective services because: Service Statistics  They have a physical or mental impairment; 2019 2020  They can no longer protect themselves from neglect, abuse, or Referrals 195 169 hazardous situations;  They cannot provide for their most basic needs; for Investigations 110 95 food, clothing, shelter or medical care; and Representative 30 23  They have no one willing or able to help in a responsible Payee Cases manner. Guardianship 8 7 APS can provide services to strengthen an adult’s ability to live in the Cases community as long as possible. Referrals made to APS are kept confidential and cannot be released to the public. During the COVID-19 pause, APS services continued without disruption. In addition, all ADRC caseworkers assisted the Office for Aging Nutrition Program by delivering meals to individuals age 60 and older.

If you suspect:

• a person has a physical or mental impairment and You are encouraged to contact our Aging and Disability Resource Center • can no longer protect themselves from neglect, and make a referral to our Adult abuse or hazardous situations and Protective Services Unit (APS). An APS worker will listen to your concerns and • they have no one else willing and able to assist will walk you through the process. responsibly 1-800-848-3303

Family Type Homes for Adults A Family-Type Home (FTHA) provides a home-like living environment for adults. It is a community-integrated and supported housing alternative for dependent adults who cannot live alone any longer due to advanced age, developmental World Elder Abuse Awareness disabilities, or physical or mental health, but who do not require Day (WEAAD) is held annually on skilled medical or nursing services. The Office for Children and June 15th. On that day, Family Services (OCFS) is the oversight agency and has delegated its inspection and supervision responsibilities to our communities in the USA and all Adult Protective Services (APS) Unit. over the world will sponsor Washington County has one FTHA serving 6 residents. events to highlight the growing tragic issue of elder abuse.

Legal Services

Washington County Office for Aging partners with the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York for the provision of legal services for Washington County residents age 60 and older. Services are provided by a licensed Attorney and include, but are not limited to, development of Wills and Trusts, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy’s, Financial Exploitation, Public Benefits, Housing Issues, and Bankruptcy.

Unduplicated Count of Individuals Served: 10/1/18 - 9/30/19: 19 people served 366 units of service* 10/1/19 – 9/30/20: 32 people served 315 units of service* * 1 hour of service = 1 unit of service There was an increase in people served, but a decrease in units of service. This correlates with people needing or spending less time with the legal services attorney. There is no fee for Legal services. However, a suggested contribution is applied

A New Initiative in our Region

During the Fall of 2020, the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York was awarded funding to serve as the lead agency for developing Enhanced Multi Disciplinary Teams (EMDT) in our region which includes Hamilton, Warren, and Washington County. The E-MDT’s purpose is to: Provide improved and effective cross-systems collaboration; Provide relief to the victim at the earliest possible juncture to stop the abuse; and Prevent further revictimization. E-MDTs have unique access to a forensic accountant, geriatric psychiatrist, and community legal services provider in addition to drawing on the expertise of disciplines including aging and community service providers, and law enforcement. The team provides a holistic response which includes recommendations and support to those working on complex cases of elder abuse and exploitation. The meetings, currently being held virtually, occur on a monthly basis. In addition to professionals from other disciplines and counties, the DSS Commissioner, the OFA Director and the Supervisor for APS attend the meetings regularly for Washington County.

Nutrition Services Home Delivered Meals Home delivered meals, also recognized as “Meals on Wheels”, provides a hot meal 5 days a week to eligible Washington County individuals 60 years of age or older, to the spouse of an During the pandemic we offered eligible participant when it is in the best interest of the meal meals to all Washington County recipient, and to individuals with disabilities under the age of 60 who reside at home with an eligible participant. Nutritionally residents over the age of 60 as an balanced meals approved by a Registered Dietitian are delivered essential service. Adding 125+ to older adults that are unable to prepare their own meals. seniors to our delivery routes in

During the Covid-19 pandemic, our home delivered meals just a few weeks. subcontractor, CWI suspended their delivery services. This caused us to take immediate action to cover vital meal delivery routes.

What we did…… hired an additional 4 per diem drivers. At this time, we cover 9 -10 routes every day - serving all of Washington County.

Home Delivered Meals

Unduplicated Count of People Served

10/1/17—9/30/18 600

10/1/18—9/30/19 612

10/1/19—9/30/20 658

Senior Dining & Pop-up Sites

Office for Aging has three Senior Dining Sites and coordinates senior dining educational events throughout Washington County. Our dining Cambridge Senior Center events and sites provide our seniors opportunity to meet for socialization, Manager: Shirley Ruggles information and creative entertainment, as well as, obtaining a nutritionally (518) 677-8592 balanced, dietician approved, delicious meal. The sites offer a variety of 5 Park Place, Cambridge activities and fun programs. An array of speakers are invited on a regular basis to present programs that educate and promote healthy lifestyles for The Senior Center of the Kingsbury & Ft. Edward Area aging adults. Our Site Managers are a link between the seniors in our Manager: Max McDonnell county and available services through the Office for Aging. (518) 747-9352 78 Oak St., Hudson Falls During the Covid-19 pandemic all in person gatherings were suspended. With the flexibility of the home delivered meals waiver, we were able to Whitehall Senior Site offer congregate meal recipients home delivered meals. Manager: Hellin LeClaire American Legion Congregate Meals (518) 499-2482 148 Main St., Whitehall Unduplicated Count of People Served 10/1/17—9/30/18 283 10/1/18—9/30/19 387

10/1/19—9/30/20 285

On March 3, 2020, Elizabeth St.John from Washington County Public Health, On February 27, 2020 Corinne presented information about from Legal Aid stopped by Lyme Disease and tick Skenesborough Harbor in education at Cynthia Whitehall. We enjoyed her Meadows in Greenwich. presentation very much!

In 2020, we were fortunate to have K-9 Brucha and her handler, Deputy Travis Earl, with the Washington County Sheriff’s office join us at our pop up dining events. They are generous with their time and always a crowd favorite.

Restaurant Dining

2020 Participating The Restaurant Dining Program is a Restaurants partnership between the Washington County Office for Aging and local During The Covid-19 pandemic, The Auction Barn restaurants to include Market 32 and and Matilda’s Law guidance, we expanded the criteria for Argyle Price Chopper. The program has Restaurant Dining by allowing been a huge success due to the Sally’s Hen House senior dining members to use generous and compassionate attitude Hudson Falls their tickets for take-out meals. of the owners and staff of these Charlie B’s restaurants. Each participating Hudson Falls restaurant offers a unique Senior China Wok Restaurant Dining Menu, which provides a Whitehall variety of delicious and nutritious In 2020 food. You must be 60+ and live in Fort Ann Service Center 138 registered participants Washington County to register in the Fort Ann of the Restaurant Dining program. Hope and Nena’s Program were served Riverview Restaurant 1,299 meals Fort Edward

Seeley’s Fort Edward

Cabin Café Hudson Falls

Johnson’s Cabin Grill Hartford

Market 32—Ft. Edward Price Chopper-Granville

Personalized guidance is offered to individuals who are at nutritional risk because of their health or nutrition history, dietary intake, chronic illnesses, or Unduplicated Count of Individuals Served: medications use. Counseling is provided one-on-one 10/1/17—9/30/18: 82 People served by a Registered Dietician, who evaluates the person’s nutritional needs, develops and implements a 121 units of service* nutrition counseling plan, evaluates the consumers 10/1/18 - 9/30/19: 80 people served outcomes, maintains documentation and distributes 127 units of service* appropriate literature. 10/1/19 – 9/30/20: 92 people served Washington County OFA contracts with Kristin 135 units of service* Stewart for Registered Dietitian Services. To qualify, you must be a Washington County resident age 60 or * 1 hour of service = 1 unit of service older.

During the pandemic Kristin Stewart, our RD has been busy working from home calling, video conferencing and developing plans for her Nutrition Education. She has developed a you tube channel where she has cooking demonstrations and In 2020, 83 recipes for everyone to enjoy. Kristin writes a benefited from monthly article for our office mailer that goes Nutrition along with the menu, topics have included Counseling controlling sodium intake, what food is freezer safe, heart health just to name a few.

Nutrition Education A planned program to promote better nutrition, physical fitness and health through information and instruction on nutrition and related consumer topics of general interest. The program is provided by or under the direction of our Registered Dietitian (RD). Information and instruction may occur in group settings and/or through a distribution of materials.

Washington County’s March for Meals

March is National Nutrition Month! Sadly, our 2020 March for Meals event was cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns. We had many Supervisors from different towns in Washington County signed up to help us serve the meals or to deliver the meals on the meal routes. We very much missed having our annual March for Meals campaign and seeing our Supervisors deliver meals. We look forward to our March for Meals events in the future.

Managed Long Term Care Organizations Office for Aging engages in formal agreements with Washington County’s Managed Long Term Care Organizations for the service provision of Home Delivered Meals. This business action provides OFA with revenue funding to supplement the Nutrition Program that resulted in $9,537 being brought into the agency. There is a decrease of $1,760 in this amount from the previous year. This is due to the MLTC agencies ending services for consumers or not sending us additional referrals for home delivered meals. Although there is a decrease in revenue, there is still 100% income coming into our budget.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The New York State Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides coupons for income eligible individuals, age 60 and over. From July 1 to September 30th Farmers Market Coupon Booklets are available through the Washington County Office for Aging. The coupons are used to purchase locally grown veggies and fruits from local farmers at Farmers Markets throughout the county. In 2020, we partnered with Comfort Foods and successfully distributed 465 coupon booklets.

Senior Center Recreation and Education

Activities organized and scheduled through OFA or our subcontractors which involve It’s always a good time at the Hudson Falls/ Kingsbury older persons in courses, workshops, other learning activities and satisfying use of free Senior Center. They have managed to persevere during time. this pandemic with fun activities like exercise classes, ukulele lessons and parking lot bingo. Some examples of those activities include: Yoga, line dancing, a variety of games, Wii The Cambridge Senior Center has been closed for meals, bowling, Zumba, crafts, performing arts and but the thrift shop located on site has been a busy place day trips. and a valuable local resource for holiday and bargain shoppers. The Nutrition Program meal site located at the American Legion post in Whitehall has been closed. Staff have made weekly “care calls” to the seniors in the area offering the option of home delivered meals, wellness guidance and a caring, listening ear to anyone who would like a weekly phone call.

Winterfest

In February 2020, we had a fabulous time at Winterfest in Lake Lauderdale located between Cambridge and Salem NY. We enjoyed a day of ice fishing, sledding, horse and wagon rides, a very cool drone demonstration, hot cocoa, chili and cookies. It was a chilly day, but we had fun in the fresh air.

Inter-generational Event

In February, Miss McWhorter’s art classes at Argyle Central School were kind enough to design and make Valentine’s Day cards. After the cards were created, they were taken to a Pop-up Event, where seniors wrote inspirational messages inside each card. The cards, were then delivered to residents at Washington Center in Argyle.

Emergency Assistance

Special Needs Registry

Individuals residing in Washington County who feel as though they are in need of special assistance in the event of severe weather, prolonged power outage, flooding, or evacuation can be placed on a special needs registry. This Registry is maintained and accessed by Office for Aging staff. Services are coordinated with Public Safety and other emergency management services. At this time, there are 43 Washington County residents on the Special Needs Registry.

Scanning Services Having personal documents and contact information easily available can make recovery quicker and less stressful after a disaster. Washington County office for Aging is a designated site to have personal documents scanned and placed on a thumb drive that is given back to the customer. Examples of information that can be scanned include: household identification, financial and legal documentation, medical information, and household contacts.

Community Check Program OFA works with the Mobile Health Care Systems’ Community Check Program. The Community Check Program brings specially trained Emergency Medical Technicians at the advanced and basic levels into your home to collect assessment data that your primary care physician can use to better manage your overall health. The goal of these wellness checks are to reduce risk of illness and injury that can be prevented. OFA, with NY Connects, is an information and referral resource for the Community Check Programs’ front line workers. In 2020, 6 referrals were received from EMT’s and Paramedics on topics such as: home care options, nutrition services, transportation options, medical alert services, health care navigation, etc.

PPE/Masks and Hand Sanitizer

During the COVID 19 pandemic, Washington County Office for Aging was given cases of facial coverings (i.e. PPE/masks) and hand sanitizer from New York State Office for Aging. We distributed these items to individuals age 60 and older and to our Senior Center partners.

Outreach to the Public Office for Aging and Disabilities Resource Center engages in several outreach events throughout the year. This includes monthly mass mailings of current and important information to over 622 businesses, religious organizations, medical providers, employers, etc. We make outreach phone calls to Washington County residents that are over the age of 60. Historically, we also offered numerous presentations about the services we provide to various groups. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most of these presentations were placed on hold.

Office for Aging and Disability Resource Center maintains an information center that is designed specifically for disseminating current information to our community members. Many brochures, flyers and information packets are made available to the public.

In the beginning of 2020, we conducted live broadcastings once a month on various topics that touch on the lives of aging adults on WVNR-WNYV radio.

SENIOR TIMES

In partnership with Manchester Papers, OFA publishes a quarterly newspaper that focuses on current topics and needs of individuals over the age of 60 and caregivers. This newspaper keeps individuals up to date on the latest information including program updates, upcoming events, and senior club news. For every quarter in 2020, we distributed approximately 2,620 newspapers, totaling 10,480 newspapers in total!

Designated Voter Registration Site

VOTE! It is your Right! OFA is a Registered Voter Registration site. We distribute and collect voter registration forms and hand deliver the forms directly to the County Board of Elections. In 2020, we collected and delivered at total of 52 voter registration forms.

Office for Aging Advisory Council

The development and implementation of services within the Office for Aging is based on local needs and available resources. To ensure local input, Washington County Office for Aging has an Advisory Council. The OFA Advisory Council is required under the Older American Act. The Advisory Council is mostly composed of older adults, appointed by Supervisors from each town in Washington County, representatives from senior groups and community providers. The Advisory Council reviews current aging programs and services and makes recommendations for additional programming to meet local needs.

2020 Advisory Council Representatives

 Argyle - Sandra Lufkin  Putnam -Open  Cambridge— Open  Salem –Bruce Ferguson  Dresden— Open  White Creek - Dolores Mullen  Easton— Margo Taylor  Whitehall -Pat Provost  Fort Ann—Gretchen Stark  At Large Members  Fort Edward—Open Mary Ann Nichols Dianne Sofia  Granville— Val Baez Pat Cantanucci  Greenwich -Gerald Foelsch—Vice President Antonia Estrada  Hampton—Renee Rountree  Kingsbury/FE Sr. Center -  Hartford –Marie McCotter Max McDonnell- President  Hebron -Alice Coldwell  Public Health—Patty Hunt  Jackson –Open  Kingsbury –Debbie Mumblo  Dept. of Social Services - Tammy DeLorme/Jodie Smith

Typically, the Advisory Council meets 4 times a year. Our first and last in person meeting was on 3/2/2020. With the “pause” on in person gatherings, council members received information through informative letters.

Washington County Senior Citizen Clubs and Club Presidents Office for Aging works in close collaboration with all of the Senior Citizen Clubs throughout Washington County

 Argyle Senior Citizens Club - Loanne Bain  Hartford Fifty Plus Sr. Citizens- Karen Harrington

 Cambridge Valley Seniors Club - Maureen  Kingsbury/Ft. Edward Seniors - Max McDonnell Beddows  Putnam Senior Outreach - Joan Rock  Fort Ann Queen Anne Seniors - Sally Walker  Salem Area Senior Citizens - Nancy Bardwell  Granville Mettowee Valley - Carol McGivern  Whitehall Senior Citizens Club - Virginia Currier  Greenwich Senior Citizens - Eileen DiNisio

OFT 2020 NY State Senior of the Year Recognition

In May, our office, as well as the New York State Office for the Aging, recognized William “Al” Cormier from Salem and Carolyn Ouderkirk from Fort Ann as Washington County Seniors of the Year given their dedication and commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement.

William “Al” William is a frequent contributor to the supporter and member of Historic Cormier grew up Washington County Historical Society’s, Salem Courthouse Preservation in Leominster, The Annual Journal of the Washington Association since 2002, served as clerk Massachusetts County Historical Society. He has of the Salem Planning Board for ten area. In 1957, written six historical articles; “Out of the years, Chair of the Salem Historical earned his Great Depression: The Experience of the Preservation Commission since 1976 Bachelor of Arts Town of Salem,” “Salem’s Forgotten and has written numerous grants for degree at African Americans,” “The McCloy historic preservation and record’s University of Letters,” “The Northern Turnpike: management. In 1995, he developed a Massachusetts Historic New York State Route 22,” records management system and and Master of “When Pigs Fly,” and “The Audubon historical archives for the town and Education, at Cornell in 1965. William Family of Salem, 1880-1949, A brief village of Salem, upgraded the storage married Sara Jane Smock in 1957 and Recounting of their Washington County system and facilities for the town in they have three children – Bill, Bob and Residency.” 2019. He served as a member of the Rebecca; one grandchild Jacob. William Mary McClellan Hospital Board of and his family moved to Salem, New William has also edited and published Directors for many years, and York in 1965. Diary of a 19th Century Farm Wife and volunteers his time at the Salem Food The Diary of Thaddeus Walker. In Pantry. For seven years he was an English/ 2017, he wrote the article “No Man’s history teacher and then the Salem Land Revisited” for publication in the William has written many historical Central School high school principal for New York History Review. articles for the local newspapers and 27 years. In addition, he has been the has given many educational programs Salem Town historian since 1983. William is an active church member to adults and students since 1984. He William served in the Army National serving in many capacities. In 1967, has successfully placed the Guard New York State 1st Armored Rifle William co-founded the Salem Rotary Revolutionary War Cemetery on the Battalion, 108th Infantry for eight years. and was a Charter member. He also National Register of Historic Places in held the office of president four times. 2005 and was instrumental in William is the author of The Back Shop William is a continuing member of the developing the National Historic District and Other Tales, a railroading book Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and in the village of Salem in 1975. about Salem; Next Year in Salem, a its founding president in 1995. William chronicle of the Salem home front is a member of the Washington County William was asked, what advice he had during WWII; and most recently a Historical Society and was a recipient of about volunteering for other New vintage photograph book, Along the the James Cronkhite Award in 2004. In Yorkers, and he stated, “We should live Battenkill, of life along the Battenkill in 2001, he was chosen for the Riverside a life of ‘Service Above Self.’” the 1800’s and 1900’s. William also School House list of honorees by the wrote the Salem section for The Fort Edward Historical Society. Covered Bridges of Washington County, New York and A Crease in the William has been a member of the Landscape, the story of the slate Association of Public Historians New industry in Washington County. York State since 1984, Certified New York State town historian since 2003,

OFT 2020 NY State Senior of the Year Recognition (cont.)

Citizens and the Fort Ann community.” the Fort Ann Central School backpack program and the Cornerstone Church Carolyn is the secretary of the Old food pantry. Stone House Library Committee and is active with its pre-school and summer In early 2001, Carolyn had begun programs for the children of Fort Ann. volunteering with the Red Cross. She She belongs to a book club that meets had trained to help during local fires, monthly at the library to discuss and flooding and other emergencies. She share books. also served as the editor of the Red Cross monthly newsletter. One week She is also the secretary and a after 9/11, she was sent to New York founding member of the Fort Ann City where she spent three weeks Historical Society. She played an serving meals to the families of the Carolyn Ouderkirk was born in integral role in researching, editing and victims of the World Trade Center Massena, New York, to Maurice and promoting the publishing of the book disaster. She returned during the Irene Dewey. Her first husband, “Fort Ann: 300 Years of History” in Thanksgiving holiday and spent Richard Aulicino, passed away in 1992. 2007. another three weeks at Ground Zero, Her second husband, Eugene She is the “official” typist for the serving meals to the workers. Ouderkirk, passed away in 2015. She Queen Anne Senior Citizens, actively Following Hurricane Katrina, she went has one brother, Richard, who lives in participating in their many activities. south and helped to rebuild damaged Indiana with his wife, Joan. Carolyn She once hosted a baby shower for the homes. also has one nephew and four nieces unwed mothers living at the Wait When Carolyn was asked, what advice who reside in Indiana. In the past, she House in Glens Falls, collecting many she has for other New Yorkers about lived in Florida for five years, as well as items of clothing, as well as diapers volunteering, she stated, “Bring your many years in southeastern New York and toys. and later, Guilderland. In 1995, she heart and your sense of humor to your Carolyn is also a member of the Fort moved to Fort Ann. volunteer service, along with your Ann Rotary Club, another organization enthusiastic spirit, which is a priceless Carolyn started her career as a teacher whose members are very involved in gift. What you'll get back will be at West Point Elementary School in the community. Activities include immeasurable”. West Point, New York. After teaching serving a graduation breakfast, at West Point, she worked for a boat- planning Trivia Night, and participating building company in Florida, followed in Photos with Santa and Operation by positions as office manager for two Santa Claus. Additionally, taking law firms in Albany. photos at the school’s annual Carolyn has been volunteering for 25 Valentine’s Day dance, as well as years in various capacities. Her providing dictionaries and thesauruses nominators say, “She has been a great to the elementary school students. asset to the Queen Anne Senior Carolyn also donates food and funds to

We are always looking for Feedback!

Customer satisfaction surveys are used for several different purposes, each of which is important to our agency. Our goal is to continuously monitor and improve a customer’s experience.

Top objectives include:

 Fix any meaningful problems that have occurred for customers with our “This has been a life agencies products or services. saver for me. Thank  Assess the performance of our customer-facing programs and services. you so much ”

 Improve our agencies processes and standards for service delivery. Consumer Directed

 Understand customers’ needs as they use our agency’s products and/or services so that we can help them have a better overall experience.

We perform surveys in several areas, to include Case Management, all nutrition services, Health Insurance Information Assistance and Counseling, NY Connects, all Home Care Services, Legal Services, and others.

The next 2 pages share with you some of the feedback that we have received.

“Pam has been very good and willing to help with groceries, cleaning (light), changing bedding. She always leaves time to talk with my mom to determine her needs & concerns as well as provide companionship. Mom enjoys having her come.”

Case Management (Personal Care)

“Thank you so much for all the services NY Connects provides. The community would be lost without you!”

Feedback cont.

Health Insurance Information Assistance and Counseling Survey Comments:

 “We appreciate the wonderful service. I had very helpful guidance from all of the staff. They are sincere, respectful, considerate and understanding. It shows your staff enjoys their jobs. Thank you ever so much!”

 “Well informed personnel, patient and willing to listen and explain difficult subject for me.”

 “I was confused and overwhelmed about Medicare/Medicaid and the research and info they provided has been very helpful in sorting out the important details.” “NY Connects was  “I am so grateful this program is available. Thank you” invaluable to me concerning the transition  “The quality of the listening and then the pointing in the right direction was into Medicare Health extremely useful.” Care. They made what seemed a totally alien  “I appreciate how quickly they got hold of me after leaving a message.” concept into sensible, understandable  “Thank you so much for all the services NY Connects provides. The community language.” would be lost without you!”

 “Each person we have communicated with has been courteous, thoughtful, empathetic and helpful.”

 “This was the most helpful experience I've ever had at the local county, state or national level.”

 “I have already recommended you to another person. I'm talking to my local library about inviting a rep to come and give a talk at the library about the services your organization provides. You're providing a great services. I wish I had known about your organization sooner.”

 “She helped me save money on health care and medicine in which I really needed help. Very helpful and understanding to my needs. Can't thank her enough.”

 “I am very happy with my experience in talking to staff. They are very knowledgeable and courteous. Extremely satisfied. Wonderful customer service.”

Feedback cont. Nutrition Services Survey Comments

Here at the Nutrition Program we work closely with the Central Kitchen who prepares our meals fresh daily and our Registered Dietician, Kristin Stewart, provides the absolute best, most nutritionally balanced meals available. We try to focus on not only the nutrition piece of meals, but also on individuals requests and feedback. We frequently change the menu to highlight our most popular meals to accommodate the feedback we receive.

“I made a great choice to get meals.” “Thanks so much-never salty, love the whole wheat bread, very happy with brown rice.” “I have enjoyed all my meals since starting them. You are all doing excellent with this program and I am so grateful to receive it. Thank you.” “You all do a “Everything so far has been great. Food looks good and tastes good. Love the variety without repeating. No hot food running into other wonderful job-I sections. Menus are well thought out.” award you a silver “Food is very good. Maybe evening meals?” spoon & fork “Don't Change- Everybody is nice.” award.” “You're doing fine.” “I think you are doing an excellent job. I'm getting everything I should eat.” “Delivery and people who deliver are great.” “In the past year, I have “Meals are close to the same time every day.” received meals from 3 “Very pleasant drivers.” different counties around the “ The service is excellent. Our delivery is always punctual and arrives at state. Washington County correct temps.” has the most selective and “All your staff do a wonderful job and drivers are friendly. This program tasteful meals.” is a real blessing. Keep up the good work.” “Drivers are very nice- Keep up the good work.” “Thank you for all that you do every day.” “Possible extra meals on Friday for weekend?” “You cannot improve on perfection.” “We get our meals like clockwork. They are still hot, and we don't have to reheat them.” “Ed is a great man.” “Always helpful & polite.” “I'm 85 and have a hard time cooking for myself. You've come to my rescue.” “Reliable, prompt, & courteous.”

Retirement News

In 2020, Office for Aging & Disabilities Resource Center Celebrated 3 Retirements

Roberta Salerno, Caseworker in the ADRC Division, retired af- George Barot, Home ter 12 years of service. Delivered Meals driver, retired after 25 years of service.

Fred Olsen, Home Delivered Meals driver, retired after 24 years of service.

Inner-Office Activities

It has been an Agency tradition to recognize and celebrate the contributions of DSS & OFA staff to the successful operation of Agency programs, twice each year; once in April and again in October. Typically, these events will include a luncheon and either a speaker or activity that focuses on relevant Human Services topics. In April, we normally celebrate “Employee Appreciation Day.” Because the Agency was on pause at the time, this event was not held.

We were able to hold a socially distanced event in October, called “Make a Difference Day.” This event mirrors a national event that takes place the fourth Saturday in October. For more than 20 years, USA Weekend and Points of Light have sponsored National Make a Difference Day. It became the largest national day of community service. The two organizations no longer promote the community service weekend, yet the event carries on across the country, and millions of people have united in the common mission to improve the lives of others.

In DSS & OFA, “Make a Difference Day” is a day to reflect on the ways in which each individual in our Agency has supported those in our community in the past year. Our event was held on Thursday, October 22nd. On that day, Agency supervisors delivered hand-written cards to each of their team members, acknowledging their individual contributions to the Agency’s Mission and expressing their personal gratitude to them. The Management Team also provided staff with keychains to commemorate the day.

Inner-Office Activities Cont.

As mentioned previously, the COVID-19 pandemic made typical gatherings within the Agency such as meetings, trainings, and celebrations a bit more challenging to hold. While most events were able to be held via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, luncheons and holiday parties were tweaked to maintain the safety of staff and comply with social distancing regulations, while still providing a fun atmosphere for all. In December, a Cubicle Decorating Contest was held in DSS & OFA. This allowed people to express holiday spirit by decking out their individual workspaces to the nines! Participants in each unit had the chance to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place prizes based on the judging by other Department Heads. Below are a few pictures of the winning cubicles!

DSS & OFA Employee Contributions to Various Charitable Organizations

Each year, DSS and OFA employees donate to several charitable organizations, whether they be on a local level, or well-known across the United States. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, this did not deter our Agency from continuing with that tradition. Below is a chart reflecting contributions made in the year 2020.

2020 January Placement/Preventive Services Incidental Fund February Employee Recognition Fund March Wounded Warrior Project April County on Pause—No Jean’s Day May County on Pause—No Jean’s Day June County on Pause—No Jean’s Day July County on Pause—No Jean’s Day August Assistance Programs Incidental Fund September St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital October Make-A-Wish Foundation November Adirondack Vets House December Toy Drive Total $2,050.00 + Toys

Several bins of toys were collected in Additionally, 361 bags of holiday December of 2020 for distribution to local cookies were distributed to local families. Our Toy Drive is an annual event seniors throughout Washington that agency employees look forward to as a County as part of the way to help spread holiday cheer within Home Delivered Meals program! Washington County communities!

Washington County Photos And Credits

Each year, DSS/OFA staff are asked to submit ideas for the cover of the Annual Report. The requirement is simply that it must represent Washington County. Submissions can be drawings, photographs, etc. We received 23 submissions this year, and the collage on the cover page was chosen as the winner! Artistic credit goes to Libby Cassella, our Staff Development Coordinator. The top photo overlooks the valley on Route 196, between Adamsville and Hudson Falls; the picture with the American Flag was taken on Hinds Road in Argyle; the rest were taken on Hinds Road in Kingsbury. Other chosen entries are shown below! Photo Credit: Derek Java (Granville)

Photo Credit: Nicole Blanchard (Granville) Photo Credit: Nicole Blanchard (Hadlock Pond)

Photo Credit: Nicole Blanchard (Town of Kingsbury) Photo Credit: April Martin (Town of Argyle)

Photo Credit: Derek Java (Granville) Photo Credit: Wendy Austin (Washington County Bldg.)

Photo Credit: April Martin (Town of Kingsbury) Photo Credit: April Martin (Town of Adamsville) 45

For additional copies of this annual report please view the following web address: http://washingtoncountyny.gov/148/Office-for-the-Aging

Washington County Office for Aging and Disabilities Resources 383 Broadway - Fort Edward, New York 12828 TELEPHONE: (518) 746-2420 FAX: (518) 746-2418 or 746-2571 E-mail address: [email protected]