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The Commission on Aging had an active and productive year in carrying out its responsibilities to advise and counsel the County Executive, County Council and departments of the county, state and federal governments on issues relating to Montgomery County’s seniors. The Commission also advises the Area Agency on Aging, as required under the federal Older Americans Act.
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During the year, the Commission pursued its traditional function of participating in development of the budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). DHHS administers the core safety-net programs that sustain the vulnerable and needy seniors in our community. To that end, the Commission, in consultation with key |
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DHHS officials, developed proposals for presentation to the County Executive. The Commission then appeared before the County Executive to advocate for the adoption of important initiatives. After the budget was proposed, the Commission testified before the County Council on various program initiatives and, in small groups, advocated face-to-face with individual council members and their staffs. |
Early in the year, the Commission opposed an effort by the County Executive to suspend the Call-N-Ride voucher program for a 3-month period. This would have curtailed the use of those vouchers for many senior participants who depend on that program for transportation for medical services. The Council responded by unanimously agreeing to not curtail the program, advising the Commission of its belief “that this program was too vital for the low-income seniors and the disabled to be de-funded, despite our current fiscal situation.”
The Public Policy Committee of the County Council asked the Commission to provide comment, suggestions, or ideas about pending legislation regarding employment contracts for domestic employees. After research and exploration of the issues, the Commission supported the legislation, which provided an exclusion from the contract requirement for nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. In addition, the Commission urged the Public Policy Committee to expand the exclusion to include domestic workers who provide companionship and personal care services for the elderly. The County Council enacted the legislation and included the expanded exclusion as recommended by the Commission.
Another issue that drew the attention of the Commission concerned DHHS interest in a competitive process for awarding a new contract for congregate meals, an essential component of the senior nutrition program. The opportunity for competition would possibly lower costs and provide more meals with improved quality and presentation. The Commission voiced its support for promptly issuing contract solicitation documents. At the conclusion of the competitive process, a new vendor was awarded a contract by the county, at lower cost and with improved features substantially benefiting the senior nutrition program.
In May, the Commission held its Annual Meeting. Charles “Chuck” Short, Special Assistant to the County Executive, presented a compelling overview of the burgeoning population of seniors in the county, the anticipated impact of this population’s growth on county services and programs over the short and long term, and challenges and opportunities for serving the vulnerable and needy as well as our vital, active older residents.
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The Commission conducted two Stakeholders’ meetings during the year. These are public forums in which interested parties meet with members of the Commission to express their views about issues affecting seniors. The event typically draws interested individuals and representatives from a wide range of organizations who share their views with the Commission. |
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The Commission also hosted a breakfast meeting for members of the State Senate and House of Delegates who represent Montgomery County. Several legislators attended and participated in a spirited discussion of legislative issues and goals, particularly those affecting seniors. |
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Perhaps the Commission’s single most important activity in 2008 was participation in the planning and conduct of the Senior Summit that took place in November 2008. In May 2008,
Mr. Leggett convened a meeting of high-level officials from all county government departments to consider issues relating to county seniors. As a result of the retreat, the County Executive |
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An effort was made to include all relevant interest groups at the Summit. More than 250 people attended, including county employees from all departments, and private citizens representing non-profit, for profit, and charitable organizations. Prior to the Summit, work groups had met to consider and make work plans on specific issues relating to seniors. |
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Issues were prioritized for discussion in topic-specific groups at the Summit; they included:
- Civic and Social Engagement;
- Communication and Outreach;
- Employment;
- Health and Wellness;
- Home and Community Based Services;
- Housing and Zoning;
- Safety; and
- Transportation and Mobility.
Each Summit work group developed recommendations for action. As a follow-up to the Summit, a sub-cabinet group is charged with coordinating and implementing the recommendations.
Finally, the Commission studied a proposal for the Community Health Improvement Process (CHIP) to establish an ongoing, sustainable method for better understanding and addressing health disparities and related health issues at the sub-county level. The Commission wrote to the County Executive expressing its support for this effort. Mr. Leggett’s response confirmed that initial steps for implementing CHIP would begin in 2009.
These activities reflect the efforts by the Commission to discharge its mission to act as an important and meaningful partner with all elements of county government and older members of the community for whom we speak.
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Seniors
