Minutes NYS Family Caregiver Council September 25, 2008 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM Clarion Hotel - Albany, New York
Welcome
Laurie Pferr, Executive Deputy Director for the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), welcomed the Family Caregiver Council members, representatives from other state agencies, NYSOFA staff and guests to the meeting. She gave a brief overview of the Empowering Communities for Successful Aging Conference to be held in Saratoga on November 12 and 13 and encouraged people to spread the word. She also discussed NYSOFA's education campaign to inform NewYorkers that the deadline to file for the economic stimulus rebate check is October 15. Karen Iovino, staff liaison to the Council, reviewed the agenda and the packet of information available. She also asked (for Cynthia Fountain, Chair who was unable to attend) if the meeting minutes from the May 29, 2008 were accepted. The minutes were accepted. Brigitte Castellano, Vice Chair, later assumed the responsibilities of the Chair for this meeting.
Discussion of NYS Caregivers Services Survey
Project Co-Directors Dr. Thomas Caprio and Jurgis Karuza, Ph.D. from Finger Lakes Geriatric Center (FLGEC) spoke with the meeting attendees via conference call to review the draft report of the results of the survey they developed and conducted for the Family Caregiver Council to assess caregiver services and identify ways to be more responsive to the needs of caregivers across New York State. Council members had the opportunity to ask questions about the survey and a draft report of the survey results was provided for their review.
Caregiver Services
Gail Koser, Assistant Director for the NYSOFA Division of Policy, Research and Legislative Affairs, facilitated a discussion around gaps in services to caregivers and invited input from the Council members and state agency representatives. Further discussion and prioritization will continue at the November 5 meeting where the Council will begin to draft their recommendations for 2008. Issues discussed included
- Community Empowerment
- Training/Education for Family or Other Unpaid Caregivers and Paid Caregivers
- Cultural Issues
- Funding for Caregiver Programs
- Services Needed
- General Suggestions for Supporting Caregivers
Accomplishments of the Family Caregiver Council
Marcus Harazin, NYSOFA Deputy Director for the Division of Community Services, reviewed the accomplishments of the Family Caregiver Council and the relation of the Council's work to items that were part of NYSOFA's budget for 2008-2009. A matrix of the Council's accomplishments as they relate to NYSOFA or other state agency activities was provided.
Media Campaign
Gail Myers, Special Assistant to NYSOFA Director Michael Burgess, presented the product developed by the Mountain View Group with input from the Council, that may be used for a Public Service Announcement and for future outreach efforts. The overwhelming response to the quality of the product was very positive. Ways to go forward with little or no funding available:
- CMS highlight
- Partners
- Hold ceremonies and invite politicians to speak
Coalition Building
Gail Koser and Marcus Harazin facilitated a discussion on how the Council can help to bring together a Caregiver Coalition in New York State.
Family Caregiver Council Report
Karen Iovino discussed the first draft of the Family Caregiver Council Report. Suggestions were made for additions to the report:
- Caregivers leaving workforce - how it affects the income, health insurance, etc.
- Caregivers are more at risk for diseases, like cancer, diabetes, etc.
- Add more young caregiver information
Karen invited the Council members and representatives from other state agencies to continue to contribute to the report by sending comments, additions, edits to her via e-mail.
Caregiver Month - November
Nick Rogone discussed ideas that NYSOFA is considering for Caregiver Month
- Proclamation from Governor Patterson
- Re-release of caregiver kit
- Public Events
- Media Events
- Town Hall meetings
- Press Kit - about caregiver issues
Conclusion
Items discussed:
- Some findings from the Care Giver Satisfaction Survey may be available for the Council to review before the next meeting
- Council members can continue to review the New York State Caregivers Services Survey draft report. Dr. Caprio will be attending the November 5 meeting to continue the discussion of FLGEC's findings from the survey.
- Karen Iovino will send an updated roster to the Council members
- Council members and representatives from other state agencies were encouraged to communicate any questions or comments via e-mail or telephone to Karen Iovino
- The next meeting is November 5, 2008. Details will be sent via e-mail