Dane County

Minutes - Final Unless Amended by

Committee

Area Agency on Aging Board

Consider:

Who benefits? Who is burdened?

Who does not have a voice at the table?

How can policymakers mitigate unintended consequences?

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

12:00 PM

Via Zoom

The Area Agency on Aging Unit is hosting a Public Hearing regarding the Dane County Department of

Human Services 2022-2024 Aging Plan. The public is invited to make comment on the Aging Plan.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p__Z7I8VRFyBnbvcnVJKBA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The public can access the meeting with Zoom application or by telephone.

To join the meeting by phone, dial in using one of the following toll-free phone numbers:

1-833-548-0276

1-833-548-0282

1-888-788-0099

When prompted, enter the following Webinar ID: 969 4688 6739.

Process to provide public comment: any member of the public wishing to register to speak on

support/opposition of the 2022-2024 Aging Plan must register using the link above (even if you plan to

attend using your phone).

Registrations to provide public comment will be accepted until 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the

meeting.

If you join the meeting with Zoom, during public comment, you will be switched to a panelist, your

webcam will be enabled, and you will be unmuted.

If you join the meeting with your phone, during public comment, you will be unmuted.

A. Call To Order

AAA Manager Cheryl Batterman called the Public Hearing to order at 12:03 pm.

2022-2024 Dane County Aging Plan DRAFT

2021

RPT-649

Attachments: 2022-2024 Dane County Aging Plan DRAFT

Catie Badsing (Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin/Dane County

Food Network member & Aging Plan Advisory Council member): “Thank you everyone,

this report is so comprehensive and well-thought-out. Everyone's continuing hard work is

so appreciated.” Asked if social isolation was addressed in the goals; “In our

conversation with others in the food network of pantries, we have heard this was an issue

for older adults.” AAA staff responded “The goals set forth in the plan are new efforts we

will be undertaking over the next 3 years. These will be in addition to what the AAA and

aging network are already addressing with existing and new programs being funded via

focal points and through new diversity and inclusion partners. The aging network will

continue all of the senior center programming, phone based programs to the homebound

and many zoom activities to address physical, mental and social well-being. Of course

social isolation is directly related to transportation. The goal related to on-demand,

person centered transportation was developed to help reduce isolation and loneliness.

This issue remains top of mind in nearly every area of aging network programming.

Again, thank you for your comments and service on our Aging Plan Advisory Council.”

Dr. Ted Bunck (AAA Board & Legislative/Advocacy Committee member): Stated the

goals are important but was impressed with how much work went into the plan to ensure

input was received from stakeholders that represent diversity—even during a pandemic

Richard Hoffman (RSVP Board Chair): Reported RSVP will be celebrating 50 years of

service in 2022 and commented on the effect the pandemic had on the volunteer driver

programs (many are no longer driving and recruitment is very low); was thankful

transportation was identified as a high need in the plan. He looks forward to learning

more from the work around transportation that benefits both the rider and the driver.

Melissa Ratcliff (AAA Board Chair): Feels the plan identifies the many needs for older

adults and it is a great tool; asked how the AAA Board can help and if any steps are

already started to address the needs; AAA staff responded that with her assistance

introductions have been made to Olivia Parry who leads housing initiatives in the office of

planning at the County level. Further, 2 introductory sessions have been held with

stakeholders in the Caregiving community. From these sessions, the Caregiving

Advisory Council has been formed and will begin meeting in February of 2022. Finally,

ongoing community engagement began in October, with AAA staff hosting “Coffee Talks”

with older adults at several senior centers. These have been well attended and have

provided fruitful information about the issues and concerns of older adults.

Paul Yochum (ADRC Governing Board Chair): Recognized the work that went into the

plan and appreciates that it includes efforts to support caregivers; noted the shortage of

paid caregivers is a great concern

Jodie Castaneda (AAA Legislative/Advocacy Committee): “Thank you to Cheryl and

everyone who helped draft this!”

Kate McGinnity (AAA Board & Access Committee member): “THANK YOU!”

Dr. Diane Farsetta (AAA Board & Access Committee member): “Thank you! Looking

forward to the impact this plan will have.”

Joy Schmidt (DCDHS Dementia Crisis Specialist): “Applause to Angela!! Thank you,

Cheryl!! for years of service!”