DRCOG’s Aging and Disability Resource Center Advisory Board – August 18th, 2020

Attendees were introduced, and Amy Pulley from DRCOG gave some announcements about ADRC services. Of note were Transportation and Personal Care pilot voucher programs developed to fill in some gaps in services. Also, DRCOG ombudsman staff have not been allowed in facilities due to COVID, but are working on ways to overcome barriers to visiting residents in person. Refugee Services, SHIP, Information and Assistance, Options Counseling, and Case Management services all continue to be provided by the ADRC. DRCOG has been working hard to meet nutritional needs through grab and go food programs. There will also be some federal COVID relief funds available from DRCOG. Heather Kamper from DROG gave a report on behalf of the Regional Transitions Committee and the Community Transitions program.

Attendees gave service updates including staff from InnovAge and Seniors’ Resource Center who have been providing remote adult day services. Leslie Mader from InnovAge also announced they have a Veterans Care agreement that allows them to provide PACE services to Veterans with service connection of 70% or greater. Jessica Neighborhouse from Denver Human Services reported on new adult protection laws that recently went into place. Special guest speaker, Lisa Bitzer from Via Mobility Services spoke about the transition of services from Seniors’ Resource Center to Via Mobility Services. They are targeting October 1 as the date they will be opening up services to new riders.