Baltimore County Commission on Aging met Oct. 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Present: Cyndy Allen, Virginia Billian, Don Gabriel, Mabel Murray (by phone), Sheila Roman (by phone), Marlene Siegel, Melody Truffer, Cathy Ward
Excused: Frances Bond, Roy Moreland
Absent: Bill Lambert, Eula Marshall, Sherita Thomas
Staff: Diane Hock, Michelle Mills, Laura Riley, Joanne Williams
I. The Meeting Came to Order at 9:10 a.m.
II. Guest
Michelle Mills, Chief of Individual and Family Services – Hospital to Home Program
In January 2017 the Maryland Department of Aging received funding with a goal to partner with hospitals to decrease re-admissions within 30 days of in-patient and emergency room visits by identifying high risk patients who may be in need of programs and services in the community. These services may include food stamps, energy assistance, eviction assistance, and pharmacy assistance to name a few.
Baltimore County Department of Aging received $68,000 to partner with Northwest Hospital.
BCDA has a staff member, Andrea Rubin, the Hospital to Home Coordinator, who works four days a week at Northwest Hospital in the case management office. She receives referrals from the case managers for high risk patients who are being discharged to the community. As part of the process, BCDA partners with the IMAGE center who provides a staff member to complete home visits and follow up with the discharged patients. Tracy Freund is the Hospital to Home Specialist and she meets with patients and identifies programs and services that they may be eligible for and helps them with completing the applications.
From January 2017 to June 2018, the following data was collected: 384 clients were referred to this program, 67 clients enrolled
30 day re-admissions were not decreased, due to the benefits, such as food stamps, emergency and eviction assistance, not taking effect before the 30 day period
60 day re-admissions were reduced to 68%
60 day emergency room re-admissions were decreased by 37%
90 day re-admissions were decreased by 63%
Savings to hospital was $648,000
Northwest Hospital analyzed the data and determined that there was a return on the investment and committed $35,000 to continue the program for this fiscal year. BCDA will provide matching funds.
The Maryland Department of Aging has been awarded a grant through the Administration for Community Living to continue to collect data for the Hospital to Home program and determine the effectiveness of the program.
BCDA would like to promote this program to other hospitals in the future.
III. Old Business
POWER OF AGE EXPO
Cyndy suggested that letters of thanks be sent to elected officials who attended the Expo event.
Cyndy suggested that we also send letters to the elected officials who did not attend Expo this year asking why they didn’t attend.
Melody suggested that each committee member write a letter to their elected officials to explain the purpose behind this event and suggest having a booth at the event next year.
Marlene suggested that each elected official be allotted time to speak at next year’s event. Melody felt it would be better just to recognize them.
Mabel suggested that each elected official should be offered a booth at the event. Joanne noted that elected official are sent a letter of invitation each year. They are offered to either purchase a booth or they can occupy the free constituent booth to speak to event attendees.
Cyndy suggested creating a letter to be sent to each elected official and followed up with a meeting. She also suggested that we should send a letter to the new County Executive regarding the mission of the Commission on Aging.
IV. New Business
Don noted that the attendance at Expo seemed lower than last year.
Cyndy suggested that the committee create a Secretary position. This position will be held by each committee member for a one year term.
The Secretary’s duties would include sending sympathy and get well cards to committee members. Committee members would contact Phyllis who would then contact the current committee Secretary.
Mabel suggested an amenities person as opposed to a secretary. She offered to be the person for the board and also offered to purchase the cards.
The next meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2018
The December meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2018. This will be a holiday luncheon meeting. The location is still being determined.
V. Approval of the Minutes
Minutes were accepted as submitted
VI. Director’s Updates
BCDA is currently in the process of hiring a new County Ride Program Manager
Joanne announced that she will be retiring at the end of the year.
VII. Meeting Adjourned at 10:20 a.m.
http://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Aging/Commission/coaminutes20181016.pdf
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