Better Living for Seniors Coalition Meeting    June 16, 2010
Vienna Square Continuing Care Complex, Winter Haven

The meeting was called to order at 9:10 am

A welcome was given by hosts, T. L. Johnson & Steve Lannum, who described Vienna Square---a Continuing Care Complex.  The campus consists of villas and single family homes in an active adult community; an assisted living facility; rehab with 24-hour skilled nursing; and memory care.  The facility provided a breakfast buffet for all and gift bags at each setting.  Tours were offered at the end of the meeting.

A motion prevailed for approval of the May minutes.

All present introduced themselves and the agency they represented. 
The following flyers/booklets were provided:
• The Village at Vienna Square
• Our Aging Veterans: Psychosocial Considerations for Treatment, Tues., July 27th, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Arbor Oaks, Lakeland.  RSVP to Mitra Gobin 863 370-2057
• Medicare Part D and Part B Premium Assistance.  Call the Elder Helpline or West Central FL Area Agency on Aging for assistance with the application
• Monopoly Mayhem, Sat., Oct. 23rd, 6:00-11:00 pm. Contact Tri-County for details
A reminder was given about the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, scheduled for Nov. 13th in Lakeland.

Cecile Morgrage, Hospitality Committee, reported that there were 65 guests in attendance and 7--- 1st time attendees.  (President, David Dumont interjected that 5 yrs. ago there were only 12 members at a meeting.)

The Treasurer’s Report was given by Randy Brock, who reported a balance of $8638.33, and 112 paid members.

A motion prevailed to accept the Treasurer’s report, as given.

David Dumont introduced Current Business on the Agenda:
3 Short Term Goals
1. Develop a Certificate of Membership and a Certificate of Participation for the Empathy for Elders training---Both are being developed.
2. Develop a brochure highlighting benefits of becoming a member of BLFS---The project is complete and flyers are available for distribution.
3. Organize a well-conceived distribution plan for the remaining BLFS directories---10,000 booklets were created and 5,000 are currently in the community with your business information.  The Community Outreach Committee is developing other avenues for the future.  Chris Bruser, Chair, requested that lists of 55+ communities be sent to him (with a contact name).
3 Long Term Goals
1. Increase BLFS Membership to exceed 150
2. Develop Strategic Partnerships with 4 organizations, who serve Seniors in Polk County
3. Outreach to “Senior Communities” neighborhoods in Polk County

Committee Reports
• Meeting Locations---Gay Finkleman reported:
The July 21st meeting will be a social networking meeting at Palm Terrace
  The Aug 18th meeting will be at Valencia Hills, and feature Polk Vision

David introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Rosemarie Lamm, USF Polytechnic instructor and Rath Senior Connextions Center administrator.  She is also the Chairperson for CATT~Coalition on Aging Think Tank.  The Rath Center specializes in education & connecting seniors to needed services.  A USF brochure was provided, describing services, including Senior Scholars, a 6 wk. course.  They had 250 attendees this past year.  An invitation was given for members to consider donating time instructing seniors in an area of interest.  A Caregiver’s Manual, written by Dr. Edward Lamm was provided, as well as, a flyer describing other programs administered by students. 

In 2005, CATT developed an educational conference, Journey Through Aging, which USF backed. Professionals from many fields were able to earn 8 continuing education credits.  Another event is in development, where a myriad of topics will be addressed, including---Robotics; Gene Therapy; Pre & Post-Op Care; etc.  The scheduled event will be held Fri. evening, Oct. 29th and all day Sat., Oct. 30th at USF Polytechnic, Lakeland.  Fri. night, which is a free event, will be geared for the community.  The Sat. program will cost $120 and include CE’s for various professions.  Break out sessions will address senior issues.  Although not confirmed, they are hoping to have one of our Senators and possibly the State Surgeon General as featured guests.  More detailed information will be shared, as soon as it is available.

Cindy Clouse, Chairperson for the Education Committee, reminded participants of a committee meeting Fri., June 18th, 8:30am, Panera, north Lakeland.  Anyone interested in participating in the Empathy for Elders training should contact Cindy.

Motion prevailed for adjournment of the meeting at 10:30 am.

Minutes submitted by
Lou Jorden, Secretary

Better Living for Seniors Coalition Meeting
The Freedom Center
635 W. 5th St., Lakeland
May 19, 2010

• The meeting was called to order at 9:02 am
   A motion prevailed for approval of the April meeting minutes
• Individuals introduced themselves and agencies they represent
   o Spring Lake was having an Open House May 19th
   o Greg West having a seminar at Edward Jones on Fixed Incomes May 25th, at 1:30
   o Liz Craven encouraged members to visit the Woman to Woman website---            Womantowoman.com and post event information
   o The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk has been scheduled for Nov. 13th 
   o The Senior Living Guide is available in Polk County
• Mike Hooper, Director of The Freedom Center
   o Mr. Hooper encouraged everyone to enjoy the breakfast provided
   o The Freedom Center was built by the community, for the community
   o Publix and Victory Church are two of the groups who have provided  backing
   o The focus has been on children & youth
   o They utilize Southeastern University students 
   o They are in the process of transitioning to include more senior citizen programs,  

      as well as feeding seniors
   o An invitation was extended to BLFS members to consider partnering for programs
• The Treasurer’s Report
   o The report was given by Pastor Randy Brock with a balance of $935.23.
   o He also reported on memberships with a total of 102 who have paid.
A motion prevailed for approval of the treasurer’s report
• Publication Committee
   o Stefanie Thompson introduced the new beautiful benefits brochure
   o 5,000 have been printed for distribution
• Community Outreach
   o Chris Bruser is still looking for a list of 55+ communities
   o If members have a community contact list, please send it to Chris
• Hospitality Committee
   o Cecile Morgrage reported that there were 48 present with 5 new guests
• Education Committee
   o Cindy Clouse reported for the committee, introducing the members
   o They are looking to expand the seminars and the committee
   o They are also planning to expand a Speaker’s Bureau
   o An abbreviated version of Empathy for Elders, a free, interactive program

      representing ages and stages was presented to the group
 As you age, Mother Nature gives you gifts---
   • Deterioration (arthritis---put on gloves; hearing loss---put cotton balls in ears;

     respiratory---breath through straw; eye changes---put on dark glasses; limited

     movement---tape legs together; limited/no communication---tape over mouth)
   • Listed things to improve senior’s dignity
   • If you had yourself as a caregiver, how would you feel?
   • How would you want to be treated?
o If you are interested in having the seminar or interested in being a presenter,

   please contact Cindy
• Attorney Ben Darby re: By-Laws & Articles of Incorporation
   o They were e-mailed to members
   o  Please sign & return to Ben today
• Tri County is completing applications for people who are homeless; have

   substandard housing; or are nearly homeless (facing eviction)
o The HTRP program is funded by HUD
o Call 709-9392 x 225 for details
   • Please check the BLFS web site for next month’s meeting location
   • Meeting adjourned at 10:18am

Minutes respectfully submitted by
Lou Jorden, Secretary

Better Living for Seniors Coalition Meeting              April 21, 2010
Where: Lake Howard Heights, 650 Lake Howard Drive N.W., Winter Haven

• The meeting was called to order at 9:15 am by President, David Dumont

• A call was given for the approval of minutes.  The motion prevailed.

• Introductions were made by individuals, stating their name and agency represented

• Greetings were given by our hostess, Glenda Hanley, from Lake Howard Heights, an assisted living facility with 130 apartments.  The facility provides an independent apartment lifestyle with the assistance of supportive staff, if the need arises.  A wonderful breakfast was provided by the facility.

• Pastor Randy Brock provided the Treasurer’s Report with a balance of $7848.73.  There are 86 memberships renewed with 56 memberships lacking.  Agency names are starting to be removed from the website in all fairness to those who have paid their dues.  Please complete the New Member/Renewal Member Application available today or found on the website and submit with your annual dues. 

• Current Business
   o 3 long-term goals--- 2010
       Increase membership to exceed 150
       Develop strategic partnerships with 4 organizations who serve seniors in Polk

        County
       Outreach to senior communities (neighborhoods) in Polk County
   o Short term goals--- 3 months
       Develop a Certificate of Membership & Certificate of Participation (Empathy

        for Seniors)
       Develop a brochure highlighting the benefits of becoming a member of BLFS
       Establish a Code of Ethics for BLFS members
   o Committee Reports
       Publication Committee- Stefanie Thompson reported that 6,000 BLFS

        directories have been distributed throughout Polk County (some in Plant City)
       Location/Speakers Committee---Gay Finkleman reported that the May 19th

        meeting will be held at the Freedom Center, 635 W. 5th Street in Lakeland.

        This is a community outreach center, known for the large gymnasium.
       Committee Liaison---Chris Bruser reported that 338 letters went to county

         churches.  Twelve reported that they are planning to send a representative.

         Some want BLFS to come to their church for meetings.  The committee is now

         working on a list of adult communities for a similar initiative.
       Hospitality Committee---Cecile Morgarge reported there were 42 regular

        attendees + 3 new guests.
       Education Committee---Cindy Clouse reported on the revised Empathy for

        Elders Program, which has been provided at the PACE Center for Girls and the

        Lake Morton Retirement Center.  The program will be presented at the next

        BLFS meeting as the spotlight.  The committee is taking the program to

        corporations soon.   The next planning meeting will be 9 AM, Fri., April 23rd,

        Panera’s, 98 North, Lakeland.  Anyone interested in participating please attend

        or contact Cindy Clouse at: At Home Senior Services 268-1220.
       Community Relations---Larry Powell provided an update on the Highlands Grove

         Elem. School project, where 124 - 4th graders went to 6 residential senior

         facilities.  It was an educational opportunity for the children with pre-classroom

         instruction on the brain, and a socialization opportunity for the residents, who

         received blankets through a $500 donation from BLFS.  The program was well

         received on all ends, making it a success that will likely be repeated in the

         future.

Break

• Guest Speakers---Aryn Bush, Ph.D., University of So. Florida Polytechnic  & Stefanie Thompson, B.A., Alzheimer’s Association presented on the BASE (Beginning Alzheimer’s Support & Education) Program
   o The primary goal of the BASE program is to provide a seamless transition from

      the point at which someone receives a dementia diagnosis to the point at which

      they are connected to the necessary resources for coping.
   o The program provides education, support resources, and skill-building tools to

      individuals who are directly or indirectly affected by early stage Alzheimer’s

      disease and related dementias.
   o The nine-week education and support program delves into such topics as the

      disease process, day-to-day living, positive communication, stress management,

      emotional health, medications and research, legal issues, and long-term planning.
   o They are in the recruitment phase for winter (June is full)
   o The individual must have a dementia at or above 25 on mini-mental exam
   o They must have a diagnosis (if not eligible, Alzheimer’s Assoc. refers to

      community resources)
   o Above all, they must have an internal desire to participate
   o The group meets for 2 hrs. per week--- 3-5 Fridays, but can be adjusted
   o Individuals attend w/partner  (Limiting classes to 7 couples)
   o This is a community collaborative---Watson Clinic; USF; Arts Ensemble; etc.
   o The Arts / Music are greatly used to benefit
   o Diverse ages 45 – 90 years (Had one early onset mother, with a son in High School

      as partner)
   o Manuals available for participants & instructors
   o The group becomes a substantial support system with carpooling, checking up on

      each other, etc.
   o Please forward the information to anyone you may know who would benefit from

     this valuable resource.

• Attorney Ben Darby will be E-mailing bylaws to paid members for a vote.  Please respond, as we need the vote to pass.

• Meeting dismissed at 10:15 am

Respectfully submitted by
Lou Jorden, Secretary

Better Living for Seniors Coalition
Meeting Minutes

When:   Wednesday, March 17, 2010  
Where:  Hawthorne Inn 6150 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland

Wonderful breakfast refreshments were served and lovely plants used for center-pieces were offered to guests

 The meeting was called to order at 9:05 am by President David Dumont
~~~Motion prevailed

February meeting minutes were approved with no corrections noted

 All members and guests introduced themselves

o Mobility Specialists Event -- Mar. 27th  looking for vendors (Contact Judy Laws)

 Treasurer’s Report by Pastor Randy Brock
~~~Motion prevailed

The treasurer’s report was given and approved with a balance of $6.617.36 and 59 current paid members

     o Reminder: March 31st is the cut-off for dues
     o After the cut-off, agencies will be removed from the website

 Current Business
     o 3 Short-term goals
           Get BLFS Committees up and running
           Develop a brochure highlighting the benefits of becoming a member of BLFS
           Establish a “Code of Ethics” for BLFS Members

     o 3 Long-term goals
           Increase BLFS Membership to exceed 150
           Develop a strategic partnerships with 4 organizations who serve seniors in                Polk County

           Outreach to “Senior Communities” in Polk County

o Report given by Randy Brock on co-sponsorship with BLFS/LRMC on Senior Educational Seminar
      Great partnership
      Around 80 attended

o Report given by Larry Powell on donation to Highland Grove Elementary Sch. for their Senior Awareness Program

      A teacher headed up a partnership with BLFS involving 124 ---4th                              graders going  to 6 facilities to spend time with seniors

      BLFS donated $500 to provide blankets for kids to give seniors

 Committee Reports
     o Community outreach report given by Chris Bruser
           338 churches received a letter promoting BLFS
           Thanks to instrumental people for assisting in the completion of                               getting letters out
           Committee is looking for a Polk County list of adult communities

o Hospitality committee report given by Cecile Morgrage
      62 attendees + 3 new guests

o Education committee report given by Cindy Clouse
      Main program~Empathy for Elders
      Updated seminar to include Alzheimer’s
      Meeting at 12:30 Fri., 3/19 at Panera
      Looking for locations to do this free presentation

 Guest Speakers--- Attorney Ben Darby & David Dumont, Legal Guardian
FL Guardianship Law & the Role of Registered Guardians
o 1989 Legislators recognized need for senior guardians resulting in the FL Guardianship Law
     o What they do:
           Handle finances
           Health care decisions
           Living arrangements
     o Individuals request assessment for need
           Interested person files 2 petitions for involuntary guardianship
     • Capacity
     • Appointment for guardian
           Filing fees are approx. $400 (Petitioner is not responsible for the fees)
      Two types of guardianships
          • Guardian of person
          • Guardian of property---handles finances
 Committee is appointed for examining alleged incapacitation
 All rights will be taken away
 Judge determines capacity based on all evidence
 A guardian is appointed and required to file a detailed accounting of all belongings, living arrangements, and guardianship plan for the individual
 Voluntary Guardianship
     • Petition by individual for trusted person to handle funds
     • Physician must sign document stating they understand petition
     • Judge will appoint a guardian, who takes over bill paying
 Fees for Guardians vary widely based on personal involvement
 Next meeting April 21st at Lake Howard Heights, Winter Haven
~~~Motion prevailed
Meeting adjourned at 10:27 am

Minutes respectfully submitted by
Lou Jorden, Secretary