Long Term Support Committee


Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2003

Members Present: John Earl, Gina Thill, Mary Brown, Marie Wanless, Carol Jeffers, Cathy Schmitz Couillard, Al Dippel, Sue Hebel, Amy Peterson, Shell Lea Hainz, Harold Janechek

Others Present: David Miller

Members Absent: Eldon Pratt, Mary Carol Solum, Charlotte Taylor, Kathyrn Ahlstrom

Call to Order and Certification of Open Meeting Law and Adopt Agenda: Harold Janechek called the meeting to order and certified compliance with the open meeting law. Al Dippel moved to adopt the agenda for today's meeting, seconded by Marie Wanless, passed by unanimous vote.

Approval of July 9, 2003, Meeting Minutes: Minutes of July 9, 2003, changed to reflect as follows: "Cathy Schmitz Couillard discussed 2002 year end information about the Community Access Programs was shared by Couillard which is made part of these minutes". Marie Wanless moved to accept the minutes with the above change as presented, seconded by Mary Brown, passed by unanimous vote.

CBRF Percentage Approval: Gina Thill reported that the State approved the request for an increase in CBRF percentage to 35%.

2002 Year End Information: Sue Hebel reviewed year end statistics for 2002. The LTS Unit provided community services through a number of programs including COP, COP-Waiver, Supportive Home Care, Alzheimer's Family Caregivers Support, and Elder Abuse.

COP-Link Presentation: David Miller reported that the COP/Link program was established in January 1993 via a State grant. This program serves persons over the age of 65 who are hospitalized and eligible for COP services. Services can be provided immediately upon hospital discharge. Eligible persons do not have to be placed on a waiting list. A summary of 2002 COP/Link statistics was handed out and reviewed. A total of 76 referrals were made to this program in 2002. Miller also stated that although the State discontinued the program, Link funds were rolled into the county's regular allocation. Miller and Hebel indicated that Sauk County would like to continue with the Link program. Persons eligible for Link would technically get services before persons on the regular waiting list. Miller said that persons who are hospitalized may need services immediately and often have been waiting on our waiting list.

LTSPC MINUTES

Significant Proportions: Thill reported the significant proportions as of September 2003 is as follows:

Client Total Current % State

Group Being Served Required %

PD 31 16% 6.6%

DD 26 14% 14%

CMI 14 7% 6.6%

ELD 120 63% 57%

Total 191

By-Laws & LTS Membership:
Thill discussed LTSPC by-laws, committee membership, and reviewed committee responsibilities. Committee members recommended minor changes which have been made. John Earl recommended that it be specified in the responsibilities who is to do what. Also discussed whether committee is on "advisory committee" or a "standing committee" of the Sauk County Board. According to Sauk County, we are a "general service committee". Thill will get back to the committee on this. Members should be appointed/approved by the Sauk County Board Chairperson. There was some confusion as to how this is accomplished. Thill presented recommendations to Ken Cady and he will present to the Human Services committee to act on. Again, Thill will follow up with Cady as to proper presentation in the future. Thill discussed membership of committee. At this point there is no representation for the chemically dependent. Also, Charlotte Taylor is representing both nursing homes and hospitals and indicated that she can best represent nursing homes. Thill is talking with Carrie Pieper at Reedsburg hospital about representatives from area hospitals. Carrie is discussing this option with hospital administration. In looking at requirements set down by the by-laws, five (5) members of the committee must be consumers receiving long-term support services or a relative or a guardian. A minimum of two (2) must be consumers. Discussion followed with a decision to change this rule if possible to allow for a greater base of people to draw from. Thill has talked to an individual to represent the CMI population and will touch base with him regarding this. At the next meeting, Thill will present information on the above questions so some decisions can be made. Thill will also look at various committee members and "term limits".

Shell Lea Hainz passed out brochures from a Alzheimer's conference held on Tuesday, November 4, 2003. Mary Brown and Gina Thill discussed workshops and conferences they attended.

Public Comment: None.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 3, 2003, at 1 p.m.

LTSPC MINUTES

Adjournment: Marie Wanless moved to adjourn meeting, John Earl seconded motion, motion carried unanimously.

Submitted by: Sue Hebel, Long Term Support Supervisor