Summary of 2006
Community Input Meetings 

The Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging (WIAAA) conducted community input meetings on March 1, 2 and 3, 2006. The purpose of the meetings was to gather information from providers, seniors and the general public which may influence decisions regarding the development the 2007 amendment to the FY 2005-2007 Area Plan. The meetings were informal in nature and participants were welcome to discuss any topic they wished. Testimony at public hearings, scheduled in early May, affords another opportunity for input and possible change at the end of the development process. Total attendance at the meetings exceeded forty persons.

This report summarizes the comments and recommendations from the meetings. They began with a brief introduction by Deb Castillo, WIAAA Information and Planning Manager. The WIAAA mission statement was read and the attendees were reminded of the Agency’s two Area Plan initiatives. Handouts were provided: WIAAA brochure, Community Focal Point brochure and copies of both the State and Federal proposed budgets. Jan Stille, Executive Director of WIAAA, explained at each of the meetings what potential changes in State and Federal funding might develop.

Providers stated that funding allocations for senior services is inadequate, that their expenses often exceed their allocations. The cost of gasoline and heating fuel this past year has gone through the roof and severely drained their budgets, forcing them to seek alternative means with which to cover these costs. Communities have come forward to assist but can only do so much on a long term basis. Volunteer assistance for senior services is also dropping off due to the increasing fuel costs. This is adversely affecting the providers who utilize volunteers for home delivered meals and transporting seniors.

In addition, all of the providers expressed their concerns about the increased work load created by the Medicare D program. They stated that costs are exceeding the allocations they received to implement the program. WIAAA staff stated that they are aware of the excessive staff time being spent on the Medicare D program. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the providers for their hard work in implementing the new Medicare D Benefit.

Several providers voiced concerns about "gaps in services" such as transportation in rural areas and the home delivered meal program. WIAAA acknowledges these gaps and will continue to advocate for increased funding for these and all senior services.

It was mentioned by one provider that Senior Centers seem to fall to the bottom of the funding chain despite that fact that the services which these centers provide play a major role in helping seniors remain independent in their own homes.

There was some discussion regarding the proposed cut in the President’s budget for the Preventive Health Services. This program provides Medication Management for persons who live in their own homes but are unable to properly dispense their own medications. It also assists in keeping people out of nursing homes in order to retain their independence or in leaving nursing homes to regain their independence.

There are many seniors who depend on and benefit from Medication Management and it was suggested by the provider who implements this program that perhaps their agency could brainstorm with WIAAA on ways to tap into various community funds in order to sustain the program. WIAAA director, Jan Stille, assured the provider that Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging is more than willing to meet and discuss this proposal to review possible solutions in order to sustain and increase the program.

The Governor has proposed additional funds for the "Home Again" program, the Enhanced Transition Project for Nursing Home Residents which can identify people who desire to move from nursing homes. Alternatives staff stated that they hope to expand the program into two additional counties with this increase.

A public citizen asked questions regarding the process for accessing funding for our nutritional programs and it was then explained how we conduct our Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

Several providers expressed appreciation for Community Focal Point (CFP) base funding, the Caregiver/Respite funds, the additional State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) funds and the support of WIAAA. It was also explained to participants of this meeting that SHAP funding will continue but SPAP funding will no longer be available.

The providers thanked WIAAA for all of its hard work and Jan Stille, Executive Director, thanked the providers for all they do, stating that we are all doing a good job together. She added that it takes all of our efforts to maintain the successful provision of senior services in our ten county service area. WIAAA staff expressed the importance of continued advocacy for increased funding for senior services by Area Agencies on Aging, Case Coordination Units, Providers of Elderly Services and most importantly, by seniors themselves.

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