Although there is no Zoom recording for this meeting, a very complete summary is included.
At least twenty-eight residents from eighteen CCRCs participated in the Second Wednesday Conversation, held on 14 May. The way to see the notes and/or video from any of these events is to go to oranjccrc.org and subscribe through any of the BLOG posts. Anyone receiving announcements of the posts is already subscribed.
Barbara Trought noted that the Presidents of the 25 CCRC’s who belong to ORANJ received an email from her asking each to think of possible candidates, including themselves, in their communities who might want to be on the ORANJ board. Elections will take place on Wednesday 25 October 2025, at the next Plenary to be held at Cedar Crest. The new board is elected in odd years, according to the by-laws.
NaCCRA is a national organization for residents of CCRCs. It is a good organization to belong to individually. Members and non-members are welcome to go to their website, NACCRA.COM. ORANJ is looking to be an affiliated member. It would benefit all of us. Their annual meeting will be on their website on May 20th. There will be a webinar, “FACING DEMENTIA” at 2pm. They are accepting 500 participants!
A.V. Powell, an actuary, puts out a report with significant information. It can be seen on the NaCCRa website.
Barbara asked who organizes celebrating holidays at their CCRC and what do they do? Responses varied. Some have brunches or programs, teas, give flowers or cookies. In some communities the residents work with the staff. In some the Activity Director and Dining Staff handle everything. Some charge but most are free. One mentioned a meal would be counted as a meal in their meal plan. Others said the event is free. Residents who sign up but do not attend are charged. In some cases, if a holiday falls on a weekend when it is likely that residents will be with families, the celebration will be on a weekday.
Barbara asked how CCRC’s help residents with hearing problems. Some have a representative from local hearing aide vendors come in regularly. Some had speakers come in such as an audiologist. Some have a speaker come in regarding residents with poor vision. Others have support groups for those with poor vision. Some hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, and some have to replace batteries approximately once a week. There was a discussion regarding disposable batteries. They are lithium and should be recycled. Some communities have recycling containers for the used batteries. They should not be thrown into the regular trash. Montclair State has free hearing tests annually. It is an opportunity for the students to have hands-on experience.
A resident asked how many CCRC’s have solar panels and do they pay for themselves. Five raised their hands. Apparently they do pay for themselves over the long term. It was asked if solar panels could be a fire hazard because if there is a fire the fire fighters can’t get in through roofs. Most who have solar don’t have panels on the whole roof; fire fighters can get through on the other side.
The next meeting will be on June 11th.
One Response
Great Blog and covered the conversations