Quick recap
The meeting focused on resident-led discussions across several CCRC communities. Participants first shared positive feedback about a recent plenary session, praising the organization and the speakers. A significant portion of the conversation centered on how to effectively communicate DNR and POLST status to emergency responders, with residents sharing various methods such as refrigerator pouches, medical alert tags, and cell phone emergency settings. The group also discussed the pros and cons of club licenses for alcohol in dining areas, noting potential restrictions on bringing in personal bottles and the possibility of using profits for resident care funds. Another topic was the variety of religious services available at different facilities, including inter faith services, bus transportation to local churches, and on-site chaplains or rabbis. Finally, the group briefly discussed the challenges of facility management and the need for legislative updates regarding CCRC mergers and resident protections.
Next steps
Diana
- Remind residents during council meetings and open resident meetings to update their medical information and POLST forms.
John Maffei
- Investigate if there is a medical alert tag or bracelet that can alert emergency providers that a DNR order is in place.
Ken
- Send out the checks for the plenary session invoices, including the one for Medford Leas to cover guest rooms.
Collaboration
- ORANGE Executive Board: Start requesting a CCRC to host next year’s plenary session.
Summary
Zoom Technical Issues Troubleshooting
BJ led a meeting and addressed technical issues with Zoom, including missing participant pictures and video settings. She guided participants on how to rename themselves in the Zoom inter face and troubleshoot video display problems. Julie announced she needed to leave for a veterans event and would get a report from Ken later.
DNR Communication with EMS
The meeting began with BJ Drews moderating and participants sharing positive feedback about the recent plenary session at Medford Leas, particularly praising the helpful staff. John Maffei raised a question about how to effectively communicate DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) status to emergency medical services in their community. Barbara Trought and BJ shared experiences from Medford Leas, noting uneven implementation of DNR communication methods, including stickers and refrigerator information pouches, while Muriel emphasized the importance of ensuring EMS personnel are aware of residents’ medical directives, particularly for elderly residents with POLST forms.
Medical Information Access Challenges
The group discussed the challenges of keeping medical information, including green pulse forms and POLST documents, updated and accessible for emergency responders. Larry from Seabrook raised concerns about how often residents are reminded to update information in magnetic plastic pouches on refrigerators, while Diana from Pines Village noted that residents often need to update their information due to changes in medications or healthcare providers. Barbara Trought shared her experience with having a POLST and emphasized its importance, though she acknowledged the challenge of ensuring emergency responders can easily access this information. Valerie mentioned that she carries her medical and legal information on her cell phone, which EMS personnel can access.
Emergency Contact Technology Discussion
The group discussed the importance of cell phone usage and emergency contacts. John Sanders proposed investigating medical alert tags for DNR orders, which he planned to research with their professional social worker. Lois shared her experience with an Apple Watch fall detection feature and a recent scam, while BJ mentioned that iPhones have emergency information settings accessible to first responders without unlocking the phone.
Club License Application Discussion
Ellen asked about experience with club licenses, and Barbara Withers from Atrium shared that they are in the process of applying for one, requiring 60 community members to fill out forms. Barbara mentioned that their community is currently undergoing remodeling and that some residents visited Winchester Gardens to learn about their active social club. Barbara Trought indicated she had information to share about the club license experience from Lantern Hill, though her full comment was cut off in the transcript.
Club License Alcohol Policy Discussion
Barbara Trought explained that once a club license is in place, residents must purchase alcohol from management rather than bringing their own bottles to dining areas. Camille asked if this rule applies to all dining rooms or just those with club licenses, and Linda Greenberg shared that Cedar Crest obtained a club license about three years ago after a two-year process involving state and township licenses. Linda noted that the club license has become profitable and generates funds for resident care.
Religious Services at CCRCs
The group discussed religious services at different CCRCs. BJ shared that Applewood provides bus transportation to churches on Sundays and offers monthly inter faith services and special Masses. Diana described Pines Village’s Sunday Vespers and communion services from various denominations, while Don explained Masonic Village’s services including weekly non- denominational Christian services, Jewish holiday celebrations, and monthly Catholic Masses. The discussion concluded with Diana mentioning a Veterans Day service being held at Pines Village.
The meeting covered discussions about religious services at Lionsgate and Applegate facilities, with Lois explaining that Lionsgate offers optional Jewish services including Friday night dinners and Saturday morning services, while Applegate has a large Jewish population with weekly services and holiday celebrations.
Plenary Updates
Barbara Trought announced that videos of the October 28 plenary session are now available on the ORANGE website, and encouraged attendees to watch the morning presentation. The group discussed hosting next year’s plenary, with BJ expressing interest but noting Applewood’s bistro and dining room rehab project may prevent them from hosting. Barbara Trought and Ken reviewed financial matters related to the recent plenary event, including guest room arrangements and speaker expenses, with Ken confirming checks have been sent out.