Commission on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center Board — Agenda Packet

PORTAGE COUNTY MEETING AGENDA COMMISSION ON AGING/AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER BOARD ADRC AT LINCOLN CENTER MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM OR VIA REMOTE CONNECTION 1519 WATER STREET STEVENS POINT, WI 54481 Thursday, August 6, 2026 4:00 PM REMOTE ATTENDANCE & COMMENT To attend this meeting by telephone : dial 1-872-242-7813, after dialing the number you will then be asked to enter in a meeting number. Use the following meeting number: 787 674 127, then press # To attend this meeting by video: Join the meeting now Page 1 of 2 CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS Committee Members enter Per Diem and Mileage 1. Board Member Directory as of 7/31/2026 POLICY REVIEW & ACCEPTANCE 2. • Confidentiality Policy • Conflict of Interest Policy Signature pages will be available at the meeting. DISCUSSION 3. • 2027 Budget Information REPORTS 4. Special Meeting Attendance Reports (Portage County Ordinance 3.1.47 & 3.1.48) 5. Finance Update • Budget Expense & Revenue, May & June 6. Resouce Center Reports • May & June Reports • Long Term Care Facility Report, Jan-July 2026 • Resource Center Program Review 7. Nutrition Program • May & June Snapshot • Picnic Flyer • Nourishing Bites Newsletter, August 8. Caregiver Support Services • CARES Coalition Meeting Minutes, June Page 1 of 82 Commission on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center Board Meeting Agenda August 6, 2026 Page 2 of 2 9. Senior Center • Senior Center Advisory Council Mintues, June 10. GWAAR June Board Meeting 11. Advocacy 12. Reframing Aging • All Staff Meeting — Monday, August 24 at 2:00 p.m. 13. Directors Report • ADRC 2025 Annual Report Update • FA$T • WI LTC Ombudsman Program Annual Report 2025 • Staffing • Previous Events • Upcoming Events PUBLIC NOTICE Members of the public who wish to address the Committee on specific agenda items must register their request at this time, with such comments subject to the public comment ordinance and the reasonable control of the Committee Chair as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 14. June 4, 2026 DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION 15. Senior Center Fee Schedule NEXT MEETING DATE 16. Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 4 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Notice: Any person who has special needs and plans on attending this meeting in-person or remotely should contact the Facilities Office at 715-346-1598 as soon as possible to ensure that reasonable accommodations can be made. NoticeNotice: Remote comment by the public during the meeting will be at the discretion of the Chair. Notice: A quorum of the Portage County Board of Supervisors, or any committee thereof, may be present at this meeting. Page 2 of 82 Commission on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center Board As of August 2026 Dave Adams 3109 Martha’s Ln Stevens Point WI 54481 (715) 498-5987 david.adams@co.portage.wi.gov davey6891@aol.com 8/24 – 4/27 Jeanne Dodge* (715) 592-4153 dodgej@co.portage.wi.gov 5/26 – 4/28 Greg Hakala* (608) 212-8556 hakalag@co.portage.wi.gov 5/26 – 4/28 Ann Hubbard 2120 Buckingham Drive Plover, WI 54467 (715) 340-2332 ann.hubbard@co.portage.wi.gov ahubbardplover@gmail.com 11/22 – 4/25, 4/25 – 4/28 Lynne Kissner 4684 Pierce Avenue Plover, WI 54467 (715) 341-7613 lynne.kissner@co.portage.wi.gov lynne.kissner@gmail.com 7/21 – 4/22, 4/22 – 4/25, 4/25 – 4/28 Otis Laird otis.laird@co.portage.wi.gov otislaird@gmail.com 8/26 – 7/29 Bob Larson 3282 Lindbergh Ave Stevens Point WI 54481 (715) 252-8896 robert.larson@co.portage.wi.gov boblarson188@gmail.com 4/23 – 4/26, 4/29 Debra Pierce debra.pierce@co.portage.wi.gov 8/26 – 7/29 Vera Ramacitti vera.ramacitti@co.portage.wi.gov 8/26 – 7/29 David Wysocki* (715) 572-2806 wysockid@co.portage.wi.gov 5/26 – 4/28 *County Board Supervisor **Vacancy Citizen members serve 3-year terms County Supervisors serve 2-year terms Chair: Jeanne Dodge Vice-Chair: Bob Larson Page 3 of 82 Page 4 of 82 Page 5 of 82 Page 6 of 82 Page 7 of 82 Page 8 of 82 Page 9 of 82 Page 10 of 82 Page 11 of 82 Page 12 of 82 Page 13 of 82 Page 14 of 82 Page 15 of 82 Page 16 of 82 Page 17 of 82 Page 18 of 82 Page 19 of 82 Page 20 of 82 Page 21 of 82 Page 22 of 82 Page 23 of 82 Page 24 of 82 Page 25 of 82 Page 26 of 82 Page 27 of 82 Information and Assistance (I&A) Specialists Community Resources Report June 2026 492 Encounters in May 226 Unduplicated Customers Served 404 hours were spent on these encounters Disenrollment, 5% Enrollment 9%I&A 17% Functional Screen 38% Medicaid Application 7% Options Counseling 10% Other 12% Additional time 2% PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPE Information and Assistance Specialists Page 28 of 82 June 2026 Community Resources Report, Continued Disability Benefit Specialists Elder Benefit Specialists Long Term Care Enrollments This Month: Case Development 62% Communication 14% General Info, Assistance, or Referral 19% Consultation 4% 158 Clients served in May (153 New Clients) PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPE Case Development 2% Communication 81% General Info, Assistance, or Referral 12% Consultation 2% Time & Task 77% 63 Clients served in May (61 New Clients) PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPE Inclusa: 704 Lakeland: 81 Managed Care Organizations Advocates 4U: 2 Connections: 9 MILC: 34 TMG: 61 IRIS Consultant Agencies Page 29 of 82 Information and Assistance (I&A) Specialists Community Resources Report May 2026 511 Encounters in June 226 Unduplicated Customers Served 364 hours were spent on these encounters Disenrollment 1% Enrollment 10% I&A 18% Functional Screen 45% Medicaid Application 4% Options Counseling 8% Other 13% Additional time 1% PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPE Information and Assistance Specialists Page 30 of 82 May 2026 Community Resources Report, Continued Disability Benefit Specialists Elder Benefit Specialists Long Term Care Enrollments This Month: Case Development 65% Communication 11% General Info, Assistance, or Referral 21% Consultation 3% 164 Clients Served in June ( 160 New Clients) PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPE Case Development 2% Communication 81% General Info, Assistance, or Referral 12% Consultation 3% Time & Task 72% 72 Clients Served in June ( 72 New Clients ) PERCENTAGE OF HOURS BY SERVICE TYPE Inclusa: 698 Lakeland: 84 Managed Care Organizations Advocates 4U: 1 Connections: 10 MILC: 33 TMG: 63 IRIS Consultant Agencies Page 31 of 82 Long-Term Care Facility Report 2026 Date Facility Violation Forfeiture Other 2/16/2026 Aurora Residential Alternatives Inc 060 New license for AFH 4 bed 7/1/2026 Aurora Residential alternatives Inc 062 No deficiencies. 7/2/2026 Heartfelt Cares Assisted Living, LLC M232, M262, M344, M380, M404, M420, M424, M436, M440, M446, M462, M464, M556, M572 Order to not admit new or additional residents. M232 Health Screening for Staff M262 Difficulty walking M344 Fire safety evacuation plan review M380 Admission health exam M404 Individual service plan & assessment MK420 Signed statement of agreement M24 Review of ISP M436 Services M440 Supervising & assisting with ADLS M446 Record of medical visits and reports M462 Medication assistance M464 Medication- written order M556 Self-direction M572 Freedom from abuse Page 32 of 82 7/30/2026 1 Maureen Miller Aging & Disability Resource Center ADRC Assistant Director STAFFING 1 Assistant Director(1 FTE) 2 Elder Benefit Specialists (1.5 FTE) 2 Disability Benefit Specialists(2 FTE) 4 Information & Assistance Specialists (4 FTE)Funding: Grants through Department of Health Services (DHS), State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP), Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) Page 33 of 82 7/30/2026 2 Resource Center Services Disability Benefit Specialist Disability Benefit Specialist Elder Benefit Specialist Elder Benefit Specialist Information & Assistance Specialists Information & Assistance Specialists Loan Closet Loan Closet Benefit Specialists DBSWork with individuals ages 18-59 who have a physical and/or developmental disability.Provide accurate information on a comprehensive array of private and government benefits.Provide assistance to access those benefits. Submit applications for both Medicaid and Social Security Administration Disability.EBSWork with individuals aged 60+.Provide accurate unbiased information on both public and private benefits.Assist with Medicare, Medicaid, and Private health insurance issues and applications. Discuss choices and best options to meet individual needs. Page 34 of 82 7/30/2026 3 Information & Assistance SpecialistsIndividualized confidential consultation at a convenient location including in-home. Provide up-to-date information on local housing options, in-home services, service providers, and approximate costs. First step in applying for Publicly-Funded Long-term Care Programs. Loan ClosetDurable medical equipment available for loan Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, knee scooters, and moreItems are cleaned and sanitized by staffSimple check-out process Page 35 of 82 7/30/2026 4 FUNDING DHS SHIP MIPPA SPAP Questions Page 36 of 82 7/30/2026 5 Maureen MillerADRC Assistant Director715-345-5770millerm@co.portage.wi.gov Page 37 of 82 Nutrition Program Snapshot gave Quotes Wellness Calls Home Visits Pop Up Events HD CONG hours Stock Box Event Served Total Meals Serving Days Volunteers Donations Hunger Relief May 2026 3232 2268 964 I began receiving meals in April and have been pleased with them all . Rate everything great to excellent! 112 839 $9,724 94 4 6 1 2 99 20 Page 38 of 82 Nutrition Program Snapshot gave Quotes Wellness Calls Home Visits Pop Up Events HD CONG hours SFMNP Stock Box Event Served Total Meals Serving Days Volunteers Donations Hunger Relief June 2026 3441 2395 1046 All the meals have been great - tasty, well- balanced with good variety. Thank you! 115 915 $17,822 96 188 22 9 2 2 64 22 Page 39 of 82 2 0 2 6 P I C N I C T R A N S P O R T A T I O N I S A V A I L A B L E T R A N S P O R T A T I O N I S A V A I L A B L E L I V E M U S I C L I V E M U S I C 5 0 / 5 0 R A F F L E 5 0 / 5 0 R A F F L E B I N G O B I N G O THE MEAL IS BY CONTRIBUTION FOR THOSE 60 AND OVER. SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION IS $5.00. NO ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANT WILL BE DENIED A MEAL BASED ON THEIR ABILTIY TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE COST OF A MEAL. R E G I S T R A T I O N I S R E QU I R E D B Y A U G U S T 1 4 T H C A L L L I S A A T 7 1 5 . 3 4 7 . 4 8 5 6 R E G I S T R A T I O N I S R E QU I R E D B Y A U G U S T 1 4 T H C A L L L I S A A T 7 1 5 . 3 4 7 . 4 8 5 6 NOEL HANGAR4501 WI-66 STEVENS POINT THE ADRC NUTRITION PROGRAM PRESENTS: 11 AM - 2 PM FRID AY, A UGU ST 21 Page 40 of 82 Did you know that the Senior Nutrition Program is a program born of the Older Americans Act (OAA)? The Senior Nutrition Program is a program that supports the health and well-being of older adults through nutrition services. The Nutrition Program is comprised of three sub- programs including Congregate Nutrition Services, Home Delivered Nutrition Services, and the Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP). The purpose of the Nutrition Program is to reduce hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, promote socialization, and promote the health and well-being of seniors through access to nutrition and to nutrition related disease prevention and health promotion services. The Nutrition Program is available to adults age 60 years and older. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program (SFMNP) is also available to adults over the age of 60 and provides older adults with fresh, locally grown produce, while supporting Wisconsin farmers, markets, and farmstands. Each eligible individual receives five $5.00 checks that total $25.00 for the growing season (June 1 through October 31) to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in (or near) Wisconsin. Income requirements do apply and availability may be limited as they are available on a first come first serve basis. Call the ADRC at 715- 498-7019 to see if you are eligible and to check availability. W e W a n t t o H e a r f r o m Y O U ! P r o g r a m N e w s A n n u a l l y , p a r t i c i p a n t s i n t h e n u t r i t i o n p r o g r a m a r e a s k e d t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n a s a t i s f a c t i o n s u r v e y . T h i s y e a r s u r v e y s w i l l b e s e n t i n A u g u s t . W h e n y o u r e c e i v e y o u r s u r v e y , p l e a s e t a k e s o m e t i m e t o c o m p l e t e i t a n d r e t u r n i t i n t h e i n c l u d e d e n v e l o p e . R e s u l t s f r o m t h e s u r v e y a r e s h a r e d w i t h p r o g r a m s t a f f a n d g r a n t o r s . W h i l e w e c a n 't p r o m i s e a l l y o u r s u g g e s t i o n s w i l l b e i m p l e m e n t e d , i n f o r m a t i o n s h a r e d w i l l b e u s e d t o h e l p i m p r o v e s e r v i c e s . A l l r e s u l t s r e m a i n a n o n y m o u s s o p l e a s e f e e l f r e e t o s h a r e y o u r t h o u g h t s , g o o d o r b a d . T h a n k y o u f o r t a k i n g t i m e t o c o m p l e t e a n d r e t u r n t h e s u r v e y ! P a r t n e r A g e n c y N O U R I S H I N G B I T E S S u p p o r t i n g S e n i o r s i n P o r t a g e C o u n t y T h r o u g h N u t r i t i o n J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 M e a l s o n W h e e l s O f f i c e 7 1 5 - 3 4 1 - 0 0 8 1 m e a l s @ m e a l s o n w h e e l s s p . c o m E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r T a s h a B e e s t m a n P r o g r a m A s s i s t a n t K a i t l y n B a r t e n S h a r o n R o w e l l L o r i Y e n t e r B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s A d r i a n n e B o n g a r d , P r e s i d e n t S t e v e B i e r m a n , S e c r e t a r y T e r r i e T a u f e r n e r , T r e a s u r e r K a t h y F a n d r e D a n i e l l K u c h a r z a k R e k e t a H a t t e r G a i l S a w y e r P a m S t a r z i n s k i M y k e e r a h Z a r a z u a N O U R I S H I N G B I T E S S u p p o r t i n g S e n i o r s i n P o r t a g e C o u n t y T h r o u g h N u t r i t i o n A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 A D R C o f P o r t a g e C o u n t y 7 1 5 - 3 4 6 - 1 4 0 1 a d r c @ c o . p o r t a g e . w i . g o v N u t r i t i o n P r o g r a m M a n a g e r R o c h e l l e D r e x l e r P r o g r a m N u t r i t i o n i s t A s h e l y C h r i s i n g e r S i t e M a n a g e r s J e n n y S t u c z y n s k i L i s a B e y K i t c h e n J e a n n i e G l o d o w s k i C h e r y l K o n o p a c k y A d v i s o r y C o u n c i l D i a n e G a l l e n b e r g M a u r e e n G i b l i n J u d i e P f i f f n e r M a r y J o R e e d M a r y S c h a e f e r M a r y S c h w e i t z e r M a d e l i n e S t o c k b r i d g e P r o g r a m A s s i s t a n t C i n d y S w a n Page 41 of 82 T r a n s p o r t a t i o n i s A v a i l a b l e ! E a t W e l l . . . . C h o l e s t e r o l i s a f a t t h a t y o u r b o d y n e e d s t o w o r k p r o p e r l y . T o o m u c h b a d c h o l e s t e r o l c a n i n c r e a s e y o u r c h a n c e o f g e t t i n g h e a r t d i s e a s e , s t r o k e , a n d o t h e r p r o b l e m s . F o r m a n y , a b n o r m a l c h o l e s t e r o l l e v e l s a r e p a r t l y d u e t o a n u n h e a l t h y l i f e s t y l e o f t e n i n c l u d i n g e a t i n g a d i e t t h a t i s h i g h i n f a t . H o w c a n y o u l o w e r c h o l e s t e r o l w i t h d i e t ? C h o o s e h e a l t h i e r f a t s a n d l i m i t b o t h t o t a l f a t a n d s a t u r a t e d f a t . N o m o r e t h a n 2 0 t o 3 5 % o f y o u r d a i l y c a l o r i e s s h o u l d c o m e f r o m d i e t a r y f a t s , a n d l e s s t h a n 6 % o f y o u r c a l o r i e s c o m i n g f r o m s a t u r a t e d f a t . S a t u r a t e d f a t i s a b a d f a t b e c a u s e i t r a i s e s y o u r L D L l e v e l m o r e t h a n a n y t h i n g e l s e i n y o u r d i e t . I t i s f o u n d i n s o m e m e a t s , d a i r y p r o d u c t s , c h o c o l a t e , b a k e d g o o d s , a n d d e e p - f r i e d a n d p r o c e s s e d f o o d s . T r a n s f a t i s a n o t h e r b a d f a t f o u n d m o s t l y i n f o o d s m a d e w i t h h y d r o g e n a t e d o i l s a n d f a t s , s u c h a s s t i c k m a r g a r i n e , c r a c k e r s , a n d f r e n c h f r i e s . I n s t e a d o f t h e s e b a d f a t s , t r y h e a l t h i e r f a t s , s u c h a s l e a n m e a t , n u t s , a n d u n s a t u r a t e d o i l s l i k e c a n o l a , o l i v e , a n d s a f f l o w e r o i l s . A g e W e l l . . . . . . D i d y o u k n o w t h a t i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h h i g h b l o o d s u g a r a n d h i g h c h o l e s t e r o l l e v e l s m a y n o t h a v e a n y s y m p t o m s i n t h e e a r l y s t a g e s ? T h e m e d i c a l t e r m f o r h i g h c h o l e s t e r o l i s l i p i d d i s o r d e r , h y p e r l i p i d e m i a , o r h y p e r c h o l e s t e r o l e m i a . T h e r e a r e m a n y t y p e s o f c h o l e s t e r o l . T h e o n e s t a l k e d a b o u t m o s t a r e : T o t a l c h o l e s t e r o l - - a l l t h e c h o l e s t e r o l s c o m b i n e d H i g h d e n s i t y l i p o p r o t e i n ( H D L ) c h o l e s t e r o l - - o f t e n c a l l e d " g o o d " c h o l e s t e r o l L o w d e n s i t y l i p o p r o t e i n ( L D L ) c h o l e s t e r o l - - o f t e n c a l l e d " b a d " c h o l e s t e r o l T o s t a y h e a l t h y k n o w y o u r n u m b e r s a n d i n c l u d e p r e v e n t a t i v e c a r e a s p a r t o f y o u r p l a n . S e e i n g y o u r p r o v i d e r f o r r e g u l a r c h e c k u p s i s i m p o r t a n t e v e n i f y o u f e e l f i n e . A u g u s t 2 0 2 4 C e n t r a l T r a n s p o r t a t i o n o f f e r s a v a r i e t y o f s e r v i c e s t o g e t y o u w h e r e y o u n e e d t o g o i n P o r t a g e C o u n t y a n d t h e S t e v e n s P o i n t a r e a i n c l u d i n g r i d e s t o d i n i n g s i t e s , m e d i c a l a n d e s s e n t i a l b u s i n e s s a p p o i n t m e n t s , a n d g r o c e r y s h o p p i n g . T o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t a v a i l a b l e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s e r v i c e s c a l l 7 1 5 - 3 4 1 - 4 4 9 0 . G i v e i t a T r y ! P a r m e s a n B r o i l e d T o m a t o e s I n g r e d i e n t s ( M a k e s 2 - 3 s e r v i n g s ) 2 R o m a t o m a t o e s , h a l v e d l e n g t h w i s e 1 / 4 c . I t a l i a n - s t y l e b r e a d c r u m b s 2 T b s p . s h r e d d e d p a r m e s a n c h e e s e 1 T b s p . c h o p p e d f r e s h p a r l e y 2 T b s p . o l i v e o i l P e p p e r a n d S a l t t o t a s t e i f d e s i r e d D i r e c t i o n s P r e h e a t o v e n t o 4 0 0 . P l a c e t o m a t o h a l v e s o n a p a n , c u t s i d e u p . I n a m i x i n g b o w l , c o m b i n e t h e r e s t o f t h e i n g r e d i e n t s . I f m i x t u r e i s t o o d r y , a d d i n a 1 / 2 t e a s p o o n o l i v e o i l m o r e u n t i l d e s i r e d t e x t u r e . T o p e a c h t o m a t o h a l f w i t h 1 t a b l e s p o o n o f t h e m i x t u r e , m o u n d i n g i t . P l a c e t h e t o m a t o e s i n t h e o v e n u n t i l c h e e s e i s m e l t e d a n d t o p p i n g i s s l i g h t l y b r o w n , a b o u t 3 - 8 m i n u t e s . Y o u c a n a l s o t u r n o n t h e b r o i l e r f o r a b o u t a m i n u t e i f y o u w a n t a b i t m o r e c o l o r t o t h e c h e e s e . ( r e c i p e a d a p t e d f r o m : G W A A R N u t r i t i o n T e a m E a t W e l l , A g e W e l l - G a r d e n t o T a b l e ) Page 42 of 82 S e r v i n g U p T h i s M o n t h : A U G U S T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S t e v e n s P o i n t - L i n c o l n C e n t e r @ 1 5 1 9 W a t e r S t r e e t S e r v i n g 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 1 2 : 1 5 p . m . M o n d a y - F r i d a y B i n g o - a f t e r l u n c h a t 1 2 : 3 0 p . m . , W e d n e s d a y s B i l l a n d J o e M u s i c S h o w - 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 1 2 : 1 5 p . m . , T h u r s d a y s B l o o d P r e s s u r e C h e c k s 1 0 : 0 0 a . m . - 1 2 : 0 0 p . m . , T h u r s d a y 8 / 2 0 J o i n u s a t N o e l H a n g a r o n 8 / 2 1 f o r A l l - S i t e P i c n i c - N O M E A L A T L I N C O L N C E N T E R 8 / 2 1 A u g u s t B i r t h d a y C e l e b r a t i o n - 8 / 2 7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A m h e r s t - J e n s e n C e n t e r @ 4 8 7 N o r t h M a i n S t r e e t S e r v i n g a t 1 2 : 0 0 ( n o o n ) e v e r y W e d n e s d a y w i t h B I N G O a f t e r B l o o d P r e s s u r e C h e c k s 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 8 / 2 6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ J u n c t i o n C i t y - P a r k L o d g e @ 2 2 4 C a s e A v e n u e S e r v i n g a t 1 1 : 4 5 t h e 1 s t a n d 3 r d T h u r s d a y s ( 8 / 6 a n d 8 / 2 0 ) B l o o d P r e s s u r e C h e c k s 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 8 / 2 0 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ P l o v e r - M u n i c i p a l B u i l d i n g @ 2 4 0 0 P o s t R o a d S e r v i n g a t 1 2 : 0 0 ( n o o n ) e v e r y T u e s d a y S e n i o r C l u b B i n g o a f t e r l u n c h - 8 / 4 a n d 8 / 1 8 B i n g o a f t e r l u n c h - 8 / 1 1 a n d 8 / 2 5 M e a l S i t e w i l l b e r e l o c a t e d t o L a k e P a c a w a o n 8 / 1 1 . C o n t a c t L i s a f o r m o r e d e t a i l s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ R o s h o l t - L e g i o n H a l l @ 2 9 0 G r a n d A v e S e r v i n g a t 1 2 : 0 0 ( n o o n ) 2 n d a n d 4 t h T h u r s d a y s ( 8 / 1 3 a n d 8 / 2 7 ) w i t h B I N G O a n d o t h e r g a m e s a f t e r l u n c h B l o o d P r e s s u r e C h e c k s 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . - 8 / 2 7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ N U T R I T I O N P O P U P E V E N T S J o i n u s o n F r i d a y , A u g u s t 2 1 f o r t h e a n n u a l A l l - S i t e P i c n i c , w h e r e g o o d f o o d m e e t s g r e a t s t c o m p a n y ! T h e p i c n i c w i l l b e h e l d i n t h e N o e l H a n g a r a t t h e S t e v e n s P o i n t a i r p o r t . F e s t i v i t i e s i n c l u d e m u s i c , B i n g o , 5 0 / 5 0 r a f f l e , a n d a d e l i c i o u s l u n c h . T h e p i c n i c w i l l b e g i n a t 1 1 : 0 0 a . m . a n d r u n u n t i l 2 : 0 0 p . m . w i t h l u n c h b e i n g s e r v e d f r o m 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . – 1 2 : 3 0 p . m . R e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d , c a l l L i s a a t 7 1 5 - 3 4 7 - 4 8 5 6 b y A u g u s t 1 4 t o r e s e r v e y o u r s p o t . t h L o c a t i o n s a n d s e r v i n g d a y s l i s t e d b e l o w C a l l t o r e s e r v e a m e a l o n e o r m o r e d a y s i n a d v a n c e . S i t e M a n a g e r s : J e n n y S t u c z y n s k i - L i n c o l n C e n t e r ( 7 1 5 ) 3 4 6 - 1 4 2 1 L i s a B e y - A l l o t h e r s i t e s ( 7 1 5 ) 3 4 7 - 4 8 5 6 Page 43 of 82 *Mission Statement – The Portage County CARES (Caregiving, Advocacy, Resources, Education, Support/Services) Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to assisting caregivers, as well as each other, with identifying needs and providing support through education, resources, services & advocacy. Portage County CARES Coalition (Caregiving, Advocacy, Resources, Education, Support/Services) June 18, 2026 10:00am – 11:00am Meeting Minutes Attendance: Chloe Howe, Julie Barge, Loretta Miller, Maria Buteau, Holly Hurda, Laurie Baierl, Carley Prochaska, Tonia Simmons, Penny Fink 1. Welcome/Introductions/Agency Updates • ADRC Updates i. Nutrition Annual Picnic at the Noel Hanger – August 21st 11:00am – 2:00pm ii. Caregiver Roadmap Panel – Tuesday, June 23rd 1:30pm – 3:00pm • Moments Hospice i. Chloe Howe, Hospice Care Consultant (since April) • Aspirus – Advance Care Planning i. POA Healthcare directives – free of charge (Julie Barge) 1. 715-343-3098 (Julie’s direct phone number to schedule an appointment) • Heartland Hospice i. Developing Wausau brand and hiring for growth ii. Dream Flights: Monday, June 22nd at the airport starting at 9 1. Golf outing fundraiser (contact Holly Hurda at Heartland Hospice for more details) 2. Reframing Aging • Videos shared in meeting i. https://youtu.be/GjgX5OPdyRA?si=ZWcF_JYX3YBEm5FI ii. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae2Gn4597UY 3. Case Discussions Page 44 of 82 *Mission Statement – The Portage County CARES (Caregiving, Advocacy, Resources, Education, Support/Services) Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to assisting caregivers, as well as each other, with identifying needs and providing support through education, resources, services & advocacy. 4. 5th Annual Caregiver Event – November 17, 2026 • Recap of previous years: o 2022 – Caregivers Grief(K), DCS Panel, Advance Care Planning, Caregiver Roadmap Panel, Caregiver Stress, Veterans Benefits o 2023 – Legal Conversations & Planning (K), Family Caregiver Burnout and Strategies to Avoid, Assistive Technology, Fire & Home Safety, Caregiver Roadmap Panel, Dignity of Risk o 2024 – Journey Through Grieving While Caregiving (K), Misconceptions About Hospice, Funeral Pre-Planning, Caregiver Roadmap Panel, Advance Planning Essentials o 2025 – Advanced Planning Essentials (K), Making Sense of Ambiguous and Anticipatory grief (K), Caregiver Roadmap Panel, Managing Stress and Prioritizing Your Well-Being ▪ In 2025, we also added the “Meet N Greet” Your Local Resources Vendor Fair as a “stand alone” scheduled program instead of throughout the event • Because of this change, we had a morning keynote and an afternoon keynote followed by 1 time slot of breakout sessions • Please contact Carley Prochaska with any topic suggestions for breakout sessions or any suggestions on what you would like to see at the event this year 5. Advocacy/GWAAR Updates • Act 115: Patient Representatives/Next of Kin Law i. Department of Health Services (DHS) released the documentation required to effectuate new patient representative procedures for admissions to community- based residential facilities and nursing homes. The patient representative process creates a new legal decision-maker for certain individuals in a hospital setting that are incapacitated and lack a legal decision-maker and/or advanced directive documents. This process is a result of Page 45 of 82 *Mission Statement – The Portage County CARES (Caregiving, Advocacy, Resources, Education, Support/Services) Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to assisting caregivers, as well as each other, with identifying needs and providing support through education, resources, services & advocacy. 2026 Wisconsin Act 115 (https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/acts/115). ii. DHS has provided an overview of the process on their website and a webinar with instructions on completing the forms. 1. View the process overview: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/ind ex.htm 2. Watch the webinar: https://youtu.be/wpHX_7lzLoA?si=xK-EU6mIREeEBdhO iii. If you have questions about the patient representative process, you should consult an attorney. If you have questions about advanced directives or guardianships, visit the Guardianship Support Center (GSC): https://gwaar.org/guardianship-resources. iv. Patient's Representative Frequently Asked Questions: https://bit.ly/3RUVtmd Next Meeting: Thursday, August 20th at 10:00am Page 46 of 82 Lincoln Center 1519 Water Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Voice 715-346-1401 or 1-866-920-2525 Fax 715-346-1418 TTY 715-346-1632 adrc@co.portage.wi.us www.co.portage.wi.us/department/adrc The mission of the Lincoln Center is to provide opportunities for older adults and adults with disabilities to live life to the fullest in a welcoming, safe, and accessible place. Lincoln Center encourages people to try new things, meet new people, and help others through volunteering. Senior Center Advisory Council Minutes DATE & TIME: Tuesday, June 24, 2026, at 10 am ADRC/Lincoln Center I. Roll Call – Kate G, Kathy B., Ed H., Suzy S-H, MaryJo R, Sherilee W. Excused Marcy, Lori II. Review and Approval of March 2026 Minutes III. Old Business a. Nifty to be Ninety – went great again this year! On council Member overheard a comment from a guest indicated they were expecting a “more special meal” than meatloaf. We reviewed why we choose the meals we do and talked about requesting beef tips and noodles next year or the chicken pot pie for the meal. Showed council next ADRC Post which includes the advice we got from participants about aging. They really liked having it on Bingo Day. This year’s turn out was largest since pandemic. I am happy that this celebration is recovering well. b. Senior Prom – Another success. Comment from participants that they were sad there wasn’t a desert this year. Food certainly is a powerful part of both events. This year’s food from Rockman’s Catering was especially delicious! c. Volunteer Appreciation/Orientation – Council Set Date at 8/26/26 in the afternoon. This year we will talk about the Code of Conduct in the orientation portion of the meeting this year. IV. New Business a. Fall Planning i. Picture Day- Best Date? – Decided against picture day. Based on questions members had today council feel that this would be very confusion for members and with little benefit to them or staff at this time. ii. Bring Movies Back? – Members feel that bringing regular movies back is not a good use of our space here. Consider less frequent movie days. iii. Tech/Fraud Fair Day with United Way 10/30 Page 47 of 82 Lincoln Center 1519 Water Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Voice 715-346-1401 or 1-866-920-2525 Fax 715-346-1418 TTY 715-346-1632 adrc@co.portage.wi.us www.co.portage.wi.us/department/adrc iv. Advanced Directive Speakers 1. Review of WI Law re Guardianship v. Decades Dance Updates, secured location. VI. Reports A. Senior Center Manager Report 1. ADRC Post (New and Improved!) 2. Staff Updates 3. Evidence Based Programs 4. Coalition Updates – Talked about RCCT goals for the year B. Trip Committee Updates Canceled Clausens due to lack of interest. Next trip is LaCrosse, then Christmas Stars Cape Cod sold 18 spots! 3 on Alaska tour this week. C. Gallery Committee Updates Current artist will stay another month We have gotten more volunteers from the advertising in the building! VII. Other A. Council Members reports/comments VIII. Next meeting dates – 10 a.m. September 9, and December 9, 2025 Page 48 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 1 Our mission is to deliver innovative support to lead aging agencies as we work together to promote, protect, and enhance the well-being of older people in Wisconsin. Board Meeting Agenda Friday, June 12, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. ADRC of Portage County 1519 Water Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 And Microsoft Teams Meeting Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 244 136 169 604 8 Passcode: WS7ez95H Dial in by phone +1 608-338-1382,,928043111# United States, Madison ***All topics discussed have the potential to become actionable items*** Call to Order Time and Roll Call Cookie Lough, Chair Review and Approval of June 12, 2026 Agenda (ACTION) Review and Approval of April 10, 2026, Draft Meeting Minutes (ACTION) Public Comment • Polly Shoemaker, Guardianship Support Center Managing Attny Farewell Page 49 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 2 Comments from the Chair Cookie Lough, Chair Executive Director Report John Schnabl, Executive Director a. Staff Updates b. Board Stipend, In-kind and Reimbursement Form Elder Abuse Hotline Joanna Reinstein, Elder Abuse Hotline Coordinator Finance Committee Report Dave Hoberg, Treasurer Patrick Metz, Fiscal Manager a. Financial Statements (ACTION) b. Audit Update Executive Committee Report Cookie Lough, Chair a. RFP for PEO Services (ACTION) b. Health Insurance Rates for 2026-2027 c. Copyright Issue Bureau Report Neal Minogue, Older Americans Act Program Supervisor State Office on Aging (BADR) Sara Koenig, Elder Nutrition Program Manager, Program and Policy Analyst (BADR) Advisory Council Update Nick Musson, Transportation and Aging Plan Specialist Advocacy & Public Policy Update Page 50 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 3 Emily Petersen, Advocacy and Public Policy Director Board Secretary Position and Committee Meeting Scheduling (ACTION) Proposed Board Topics for Consideration at the Next Meeting Executive Director Evaluation • Motion to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c) to conduct performance evaluation • Motion to exit closed session Adjournment Time Next Meeting Date: August 14, 2026, ADRC of Portage County Please note: Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of individuals unable to attend the meeting who are interested in providing public input related to specific items described on the above agenda. For additional information or to request assistance in providing input in writing, contact John Schnabl at 608-228-8094, or by email at John.Schnabl@gwaar.org Page 51 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243 -5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 1 Our mission is to deliver innovative support to lead aging agencies as we work together to promote, protect, and enhance the well-being of older people in Wisconsin. Board Meeting Minutes Friday, April 10, 2026| 10:00 a.m. Microsoft Teams Video Conference Call And ADRC of Portage County Members physically present: Cookie Lough, Dave Hoberg, Wes Martin, Rowena Nelson, John Helling, Steve Ahlgren, Catherine Jones-Ferk, Members present virtually: Sandy Bergeron Members excused: Sabrina Cyrus Others Present: John Schnabl, Executive Director; Patrick Metz, Fiscal Manager; Nick Musson, OAA Consultant; Janet Zander, Advocacy & Public Policy Coordinator; Polly Shoemaker, GSC Managing Attorney; Rosanna Mazzara, Operations Coordinator Call to Order Cookie Lough, Board Chair The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by Cookie Lough, Chair. Review and Approval of April 10, 2026 Agenda (ACTION) Motion by Catherine Jones-Ferk, seconded by John Helling, to approve April 10, 2026, agenda. Motion carried. Review and Approval of February 13, 2026 Draft Meeting Minutes (ACTION) Motion by Steve Ahlgren, seconded by Catherine Jones-Ferk, to approve February 13, 2026, draft meeting minutes. Motion carried. Page 52 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 2 Public Comment • Steve Algren expressed interest in moving Executive, Finance and Board meetings around so as to have more advanced notice of the agenda and meeting documents. He also thinks that thought should be given to perhaps creating a secretary position, whereby this person in this position could attend special and/or other assigned meetings, keep track of terms, membership, correspondence and or review and sign off on minutes. These are ideas that can be raised at an Executive Committee meeting. Comments from Chair Cookie Lough, Board Chair • Home Delivered Meal Major Gift Update: On March 2nd and March 30th, I met with Jean Lynch regarding the Inclusa funding. Four applications were identified in February. Two were approved based on the priority authorization tool the committee is using. A total of $116,349 was distributed from the funds GWAAR received for March; four applications were received and there was one carryover from February waiting for more information to be supplied. Of the four applications, three were approved for a total of $144,132 issued for March. We have a total issued for February and March of $260,041. Also, Inclusa has changed its name to Common Good Philanthropies. Counties thus far receiving funds: Brown, Kenosha, Jefferson, Forest and Racine. • Attended a very informative virtual Advisory Council meeting on February 20th, where Tony Omernick spoke on his volunteer efforts with the Healthy Aging Coalition. He was instrumental in creating an informative flyer of services offered for older adults and/ or those with disabilities in his area. He was able to demonstrate by example how many agencies working together can accomplish goals in serving their communities. I was really impressed with what he's done with the coalition and think he’d be a great person to eventually present to the board. Executive Director Report John Schnabl, Executive Director • We have three retirements: Janet Zander, Advocacy & Public Policy Director; Deb Smith, Accountant; and Doreen Goetch, Elder Abuse Later in Life Grant. Page 53 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 3 • We have a departure: Angie Sullivan, Health Promotion Project Specialist • We have hired Megan Olsen as our part-time HR and Benefit Liaison Director • Thus far we are happy to report that GLITC’s two new hires seem to be working out and we hope that continues to bring stability to the program. • I also wanted to mention that USAging, our national organization, gave us an award for the meal prioritization tool that we created for those counties and tribes that do have a wait list or reduction of services. They are now required to use that tool to determine how to determine who gets what when it comes to their nutrition program. We will receive the award at the national conference. One of the main architects of that prioritization tool was Pam VanKampen, part of our nutrition staff. So kudos to the whole nutrition team, but specifically Pam for a lot of work she put into it. • A few weeks ago, Rowena, Bob Best from our Advisory Council, Janet Zander and I were in DC for our federal policy briefing, where we met with seven or eight legislative offices. It was a great opportunity and adventure, given the snowstorm’s timing with our flights. Guardianship Support Center • Polly Shoemaker, Guardian Support Center Managing Attorney, gave an overview of the program. The Guardianship Support Center is funded through the state budget. It's a line item in the state budget to provide technical assistance, support, training, education for guardians, anybody and everybody who has questions and concerns about adult legal decision making in the state of Wisconsin, or people who are outside of the state of Wisconsin, but are working with somebody in Wisconsin. In practice, what that looks like is a helpline that gets about 1,800 calls a year. And it's about 50% consumers and the general public and the other roughly 50% are professionals of various kinds. That includes facilities, hospital social workers, other attorneys, corporation councils, adult protective services staff, ADRCs, schools, banks, and funeral homes to include presentations, training and outreach. Page 54 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 4 Election of Vice Chair • Wes Martin Nominated Steve Ahlgren. He declined due to other meetings he has on Mondays. • Steve Ahlgren nominated Catherine Jones-Ferk. • Dave Hoberg nominated John Helling. Rowena Nelson seconded it. • Catherine Jones-Ferk indicated that if John Helling wanted the position, she would decline and withdraw her name and defer the position to John. • John Helling accepted the nomination. • Wes Martin moved that the nominations be closed. • Vote taken, John Helling was unanimously approved as Vice Chair. Finance Committee Report Dave Hoberg, Treasurer Patrick Metz, Fiscal Manager Dave Hoberg: • Just a heads up that I was on a phone call with the auditors along with Patrick and the $1.5 million dollar gift will be recorded as income in 2025. As such, we will see a loss for 2026 and 2027. Patrick brought up a great point that because it's for home delivered meals, that money gets added to the federal money for home delivered meals. And GWAAR has to do all kinds of reporting on this. This isn't the way I would have done it in private practice, but I understand that they've got to track a lot of costs and a lot of money moving through, so this is the best way. The 2026 budget will need to be adjusted. Patrick Metz: • Since Dave has explained the 1.5 million, I’ll just mention that if you take the $1.5 million out of the profit we showed for 2025, we still had a healthy profit and that's generated by the VA program. Fiscal year 2025 is wrapping up nicely. We start with Page 55 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 5 our new audit firm the first week of May. We have a lot of upfront reporting and discussion to have with the new audit firm. • The week of April 20th, we begin our regional fiscal trainings. We'll be doing four of them this year. We'll be in Hayward the week of the 20th, and then we go around to Antigo, Beaver Dam and Tomah for the other regional trainings. We're getting the word out and we will be talking about the home delivered meals, the major gift and making sure people understand it. We will be doing a tribal specific fiscal training at Menominee on the 21st of May. We're working with GLITC to do that. At this point in time, we believe that our usual annual fiscal two-day training up in Wausau will be taking place. • Right now, our operating reserve is right around $3.2 million. We technically should have between three to six months of operating expense in your reserve and any given month we have over $1 million of expenses, including the VA payouts generally around $750,000 to $850,000 per month. So to get to six months, we would have to be probably in the area of about $6 million in operational reserves. Steve Ahlgren would like to know what the reserve balance is at each board meeting. Patrick agreed that an excess reserve fund policy should be developed with the help of the board for those excess funds to enhance statewide programing in the aging network. This policy development should be an agenda item to be discussed at future finance and board meetings. Motion Catherine Jones-Ferk, seconded by Steve Ahlgren, to accept financial reports as presented and placed on file. Motion carried. Board Stipends • Dave relayed that board stipends were postponed from the last board meeting and they are now on the agenda for this meeting again. • Dave Hoberg indicated that the Executive Committee would like to make a recommendation that only the Board and Advisory Council meetings, whether they be virtual or in person would be eligible for a stipend of $125. • Dave Ahlgren also made a motion: Upon request (declinable), any member of the board (excluding Advisory Council) personally (in-person only, not virtual) attending in-person scheduled board meeting shall be awarded a stipend of $125 to help defray the cost of attendance. Page 56 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 6 • John Helling felt that Board and Advisory Council meetings held both virtually and attended in-person should be eligible for the stipend of $125 if requested. Sandy Bergeron agreed. There was more discussion. • John Helling decided to withdraw his stipend motion from the last board meeting. • Steve Ahlgren amended his motion to be: Upon request, any member of the board attending a scheduled board meeting, in-person or virtual, shall be awarded a stipend of $125.00 to help defray the cost of attendance. Wes Martin seconded it. Roll call vote: Cookie: YES David: YES Wes: YES Rowena: YES John: YES Catherine: YES Steve: YES Sabrina: Absent Sandy: NO Motion carried. • John Schnabl indicated the approximate yearly cost would be around $6,700. Executive Committee Report Cooke Lough, Chair Mission Statement The board was given the task of deciding on an updated official mission statement to have uniformity and consistency going forward into the future. A sample mission Page 57 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 7 statement was submitted by Dave Hoberg and there was much discussion. John Schnabl mentioned that the current mission statement is very focused on our role working with the aging units, our AAA role, the Area Agency and Aging Role. While it is a very important piece of what we do, it's not all that we do. Dave Hoberg’s proposed new mission statement: Our mission is to deliver innovative support to aging agencies and contracted partners as we work together to promote, protect, and enhance the well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. Motion by Steve Ahlgren, seconded by John Helling to approve Dave Hoberg’s submitted mission statement. Motion carried. Advisory Council Update Nick Musson, Transportation & Aging Plan Program Specialist • GWAAR’s Advisory Council met virtually on February 20th, 2026. Doris Baaker was elected as our new Vice Chair, replacing Kathy Grauger. • Organizational and program updates were given, including GWAAR's first “Year in Review” document, an update on the $1.5 million gift for home delivered meals, staffing updates and Janet was there to provide advocacy and public policy updates. • Tony Omernick gave an excellent presentation on the Healthy Aging Coalition’s success in improving the lives of older adults by giving them easy access to much needed information. • The volunteer driver insurance challenges, Older American Act funding changes, GWAAR public records request to OCI, and the impact of allocation shift on Aging units were discussed. • The next GWAAR Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for May 15th, and that will be a virtual meeting. Our in-person meeting is set for September. Page 58 of 82 Main Office: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A | Madison, WI 53714 | Office (608) 243-5670 | Fax (866) 813-0974 8 Advocacy & Public Policy Update Janet Zander, Advocacy & Public Policy Coordinator • Janet went over the most recent updates on state advocacy and public policy. Please see her detailed and informative written report for more information. Bureau Report Neal Minogue, Older Americans Act Program Supervisor (BADR) • Neal was unable to attend as meeting went long and he had a scheduled call. Adjournment: 2:15 p.m. Next Meeting Date: June 12, 2026 – ADRC of Portage County Meeting Dates for 2026 August 14, 2026 October 9, 2026 December 11, 2026 Rosanna Mazzara, Operations Coordinator; Recorder Page 59 of 82 GWAAR Board Meeting Advocacy Update June 12, 2026 WAAN 2026 Aging Advocacy Day of Action On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network (WAAN) held a “Day of Action” including a virtual training followed by an online campaign. More than 85 advocates attended the virtual training to celebrate Older Americans Month and lift priority aging network issues for the next budget and legislative session. WAAN members voted to highlight three aging funding priorities: • Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) (issue brief: https://gwaar.org/api/cms/viewFile/id/2009016) • Home-delivered meals (issue brief: https://gwaar.org/api/cms/viewFile/id/2009014) • Falls prevention (issue brief: https://gwaar.org/api/cms/viewFile/id/2009015) After the training, advocates shared these funding requests with legislators using our customizable email and phone action alerts. Email alert: https://bit.ly/4w7OMNn Phone alert: https://bit.ly/4dp31pw These action alerts are a quick and easy way to communicate with your representatives, while still allowing the opportunity to add your personal story or data. There is no deadline to complete these alerts, so please complete them if you haven’t already! A recording of the training can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/9FpEOdUHVtI Our day of action will be complemented by local, in-district meetings held by WAAN core members throughout the state. Local sponsors are encouraged to schedule the in-district meetings between late March and the end of October 2026. Updated 2026 WAAN Issue Briefs Recently, WAAN has adopted several updated issue briefs highlighting our priorities around ADRCs, home-delivered meals, falls prevention, and an online caregiver support platform. All our current issue briefs can be found on the website here: https://gwaar.org/waan-issues-and- initiatives Our most recent brief (https://gwaar.org/api/cms/viewFile/id/2008983) is a request for permanent state funding for a permanent Caregiver Education and Support Fund to provide free, 24/7 online caregiver education for Wisconsin’s 1.1 million family caregivers. Page 60 of 82 Emily.Petersen@gwaar.org GWAAR Board of Directors 6-12-26 2 May Special Session On Monday, May 11, the State Legislature met in a special session to take up MY6AB1/MY6SB1, a bill negotiated by Governor Evers, Speaker Vos, and Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu to provide special education funding, property tax relief, and more. The bill is funded by nearly $2 billion in state surplus funds and contains the following provisions: • $85M in 2026-26 and $230M in 2026-27 to increase the proration rate for special education and school age parents programs. • Provides $302.5M to create a second per pupil aid for school districts. • Provides $50M to increase state funding for technical colleges and reduces by an equivalent amount the revenue that technical colleges receive from the property tax levy. • Creates an income tax subtraction for qualified tips with no sunset. • Creates an income tax subtraction for qualified overtime compensation with no sunset. • Provides surplus refund payments to taxpayers who filed a Wisconsin individual income tax return for tax year 2024 and who owed Wisconsin individual income tax for that year.  $600 for married persons, $300 for individuals distributed by November 2026 without any action required by recipients.  If you did not pay state income tax, or are not a full-time Wisconsin resident, you will not qualify for the surplus payment or could qualify for a lesser amount. If passed, there would still be approximately $300 million left in the state surplus, and this bill does not use any funds from the state’s “rainy day” fund. On Tuesday, May 12, the Joint Committee on Finance considered and approved the legislation by a 12–4 vote. The full Assembly voted on and approved the bill late on the night of Wednesday, May 13 by a vote of 61-32. The Senate immediately took the bill up that same night, where it failed by a vote of 15-18. This was a special legislative session created via Executive Order by the Governor. Since this legislation has been disposed of, the legislature is out of session unless they are called into another special session by the Governor. Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2027 Proposed Budget In early April, President Trump released his proposed FFY27 budget. There are minimal changes to Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, which fund supportive services, nutrition programs, caregiver support services, and evidence-based wellness programs. The budget proposes the elimination of one OAA program: the Community Service Employment program, housed within the Department of Labor because “the program often fails to meet its goal...and is not cost- effective.” Page 61 of 82 Emily.Petersen@gwaar.org GWAAR Board of Directors 6-12-26 3 The proposed budget also includes the elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy assistance program, the Community Services Block Grant and Community Development Block Grant programs (which provide funding to counties), and all AmeriCorps programs. On Friday, June 5, the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee held a mark-up on the Fiscal Year 2027 Bill. The mark-up included analyzing and making recommendations on funding for the Administration for Community Living, which houses Older Americans Act programs and services. This was a crucial first step in creating the budget for FFY27 OAA programs and services. In the week leading up to Friday’s mark-up, we encouraged everyone to reach out to their federal legislators to ensure they heard loud and clear the importance of increasing funding for OAA programs and services. Representative Mark Pocan is on this subcommittee, so it was especially important that his constituents hear from him, but all representatives are ready to hear our priorities. On Tuesday, Jue 9, the House Appropriations Committee held a full Committee mark-up of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education FFY27 Bill. Please use and customize the action alert to send an email to your representatives this week: http://bit.ly/4u2koCq Be sure you are reviewing the email text before sending as there are blanks to fill in and opportunities to share your story! Although we are still early in the FFY2027 Budget process, these early days are some of the most crucial opportunities to elevate our needs—and to continue to do so throughout the next several months. Page 62 of 82 Wisconsin State Long-T erm Care Ombudsman Program Annual Report Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Page 63 of 82 2 Introduction and Statutory Authority The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP or Ombudsman Program) is authorized under the Older Americans Act and governed by the federal LTCOP Rule (45 C.F .R. Part 1324) which establishes the program’s functions, responsibilities, and person-centered advocacy framework. Under federal law, the Ombudsman Program is required to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, individuals receiving long-term care services; protect and promote the rights, health, safety, and welfare of long-term care consumers; and inform consumers about the availability of Ombudsman services and how to access them. The program is further authorized to represent the interests of consumers before governmental agencies; ensure access to administrative, legal, and other remedies; and evaluate the performance of the long-term care system, including relevant laws, regulations, and policies. Based on this evaluation, the Ombudsman Program recommends changes to improve the quality of care and quality of life for long-term care consumers. Purpose of the Report This annual report provides an evaluation of Wisconsin’s long-term care system from a consumer perspective, based on Ombudsman program case and complaint data. It highlights key trends and issues affecting long-term care consumers, identifies opportunities for Ombudsman advocacy, and informs policymakers, providers, and system partners on ways to improve the quality of care and quality of life for older adults in Wisconsin. Compliance Statement This report fulfills the annual reporting requirements of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program under the Older Americans Act, Section 712(h)(1) (42 U.S.C. 3058g(h)(1)). The report summarizes program activities, analyzes complaint and program data, identifies key issues affecting long-term care consumers, evaluates program effectiveness, and highlights opportunities to strengthen long-term care services and consumer protections in Wisconsin. Page 64 of 82 3 Program Overview Wisconsin’s LTCOP is a statewide advocacy program that protects and promotes the rights of long-term care consumers. The program serves individuals aged 60 and older who live in nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, or participate in publicly funded long-term care programs (Family Care, Partnership, PACE, IRIS). The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman provides overall leadership and management of the program, and is responsible personally, or through Ombudsman representatives, for carrying out the duties defined in federal law by: • Responding to and resolving concerns regarding actions, inactions, or decisions that adversely affect consumers, • Advocating for changes to improve quality of care and quality of life, • Representing the interests of consumers before governmental agencies, • Educating consumers, their families, and providers about rights, good care practices, and available resources, and • Ensuring that consumers have regular, timely, and confidential access to the Ombudsman Program. Ombudsman representatives are trained, certified, and designated in accordance with federal requirements to carry out the duties of the Ombudsman Program. The program relies on a combination of paid staff and volunteer Ombudsman representatives to provide advocacy services throughout Wisconsin. A map of service regions is available on the program website: Ombudsman Program Coverage Map and Volunteer Program Coverage Map. To protect and promote the rights and self-determination of Wisconsin’s long-term care consumers through independent, consumer-directed advocacy. Our Mission: Page 65 of 82 4 Program Activities The Ombudsman Program provides a range of services to advance our mission and ensure the overall health and stability of Wisconsin’s long-term care system. These services include: Complaint Investigation and Resolution • Ombudsman representatives investigate and work to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care consumers. Facility Visits and Monitoring • Ombudsman representatives regularly visit long-term care settings to educate consumers, identify concerns, and monitor quality of care and quality of life. Information and Assistance • Ombudsman representatives provide information and consultation regarding resident rights, complaint resolution options, and long-term care resources. Facility Staff Training • Ombudsman representatives provide education and training to facility staff on resident rights, person-centered practices, and other topics affecting consumer well-being. Family and Resident Council Support • Ombudsman representatives support the development of resident and family councils and encourage consumers to raise concerns and advocate for improvements through these forums. Community Education and Outreach • Ombudsman representatives participate in community events and educational activities to promote awareness of consumer rights, good care practices, and available Ombudsman services. Systems Advocacy • The program identifies trends and systemic issues and works with consumers, providers, policymakers, and partner organizations to improve long-term care services and supports. Page 66 of 82 5 Program Data and Trends Consumers Served 129k+ People living in long-term care facilities and enrolled in Wisconsin’s Medicaid long-term care programs 6,000+ Long-term care facilities 1,278 Total Cases 3,431 Complaints investigated 4,416 Total facility visits 995 Individual facilities visited 481 Resident councils attended 6,527 Information and assistance contacts to individuals 2,162 Information and assistance contacts to long-term care providers 109 Training sessions for long-term care providers 106 Community education opportunities Page 67 of 82 6 Complaint Trends 3,431 Total complaints investigated 18% Increase from Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Each complaint domain encompasses a variety of specific issues and concerns. For example, the Care domain includes complaints related to care planning, accidents and falls, responses to requests for assistance, medications, assistive devices, and access to health-related services. While the frequency of specific complaints may vary across settings, these rankings provide a high-level view of the issues most commonly affecting long-term care consumers in Wisconsin and offer insight into the overall health and stability of the long-term care system. Detailed descriptions of the complaint domains and codes can be found here: National Ombudsman Reporting System: Complaint Codes and Definitions. Top 5 Complaint Domains Care Autonomy, Choice, Rights Complaints about an Outside Agency* Admission, Transfer, Discharge, Eviction Facility Policies, Procedures, and Practices The complaint domains represent the most frequently reported concerns across all long- term care settings and Medicaid long-term care programs served by the Ombudsman Program. *Most complaints in this category (88.5%) were related to Medicaid long- term care programs, including Family Care, Partnership, PACE, and IRIS. Page 68 of 82 7 Complaint volume has generally trended upward over the past five years, with an 18% increase from Federal Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025. The increase may reflect a growing service population, increasing consumer needs, ongoing care and treatment challenges, as well as expanded Ombudsman presence and engagement in long-term care settings, particularly assisted living. Where Complaints Occurred Nursing Facilities 36% Assisted Living 42% Other Settings* 22% Complaints by Setting (FFY 2025) 3,263 3,004 3,097 2,903 3,431 2,600 2,700 2,800 2,900 3,000 3,100 3,200 3,300 3,400 3,500 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Complaint Growth Over 5 Year Period (FFY 2021 – 2025) Total Complaints 18% ↑ While complaint volume increased in both nursing facilities and assisted living settings, assisted living accounted for the largest share of complaints in FFY 2025. *Most complaints occurring in “other settings” involved Wisconsin’s Medicaid long-term care programs, including Family Care, Partnership, PACE and IRIS. Page 69 of 82 8 Outcomes Complaint Resolution Because Ombudsman advocacy is consumer- directed, complaint resolution is determined by the consumer’s assessment of the outcome rather than the Ombudsman’s perception of success. Approximately 74% of complaints brought to the program were fully or partially resolved to the satisfaction of the consumer in FFY 2025. The share of complaints not resolved has declined steadily over five years, decreasing from 24.49% in FFY 2021 to 12.24% in FFY 2025. Complaint Verification Complaint verification occurs when an Ombudsman investigation finds that most or all facts alleged in a complaint are likely to be true. Approximately 80% of complaints received in FFY 2025 were verified. A complaint that is not verified may still reflect a consumer concern, unmet need, or differing perception of the situation. In these cases, Ombudsman representatives may continue working with consumers to identify solutions and support person-centered outcomes. Complaints Verified FFY 2025 Verified Not verified 80% 20% Resolution Outcomes FFY 2025 Partially or fully resolved Withdrawn or no action needed Not resolved 74% 14% 12% Page 70 of 82 9 Who is Bringing Forward Concerns? Most complaints are brought forward by individuals receiving long-term care services and their family members, friends, or legal representatives. 47% Consumers receiving long-term care services and supports 41% Family members, friends, and legal representatives Additional complaints are reported by facility staff, community partners, Ombudsman representatives, and other concerned individuals. Key Issues Affecting Consumers Care and Care Planning Care planning has consistently ranked among the top complaint categories across long- term care settings over the past five years. After several years of decline, care planning complaints increased by 49% from Federal Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025, reaching a five-year high. Care-related complaints in both nursing facilities and assisted living settings also reached their highest levels between 2021 and 2025, with more rapid growth occurring in assisted living. Ombudsman representatives attribute these trends in part to increasing resident acuity, particularly in assisted living communities serving individuals with complex medical and memory care needs. Many concerns involve communication, coordination, and resident involvement in decisions regarding care and services. 49%↑ Care planning complaints (FFY 2024 to 2025) 25%↑ Care-related complaints (FFY 2024 to 2025) Page 71 of 82 10 Dignity, Respect and Accountability Many complaints received by the Ombudsman Program involve whether consumers feel listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their care and daily lives. The program views a facility’s or long-term care provider’s internal complaint and grievance process as an important accountability mechanism and an opportunity to identify and resolve concerns before they escalate. Across all settings, complaints related to autonomy, choice, and rights increased by 27% from Federal Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025, with response to complaints and dignity and respect concerns cited most frequently. Response-to-complaint issues ranked as the number one complaint type for both nursing homes and assisted living settings during Federal Fiscal Year 2025, reaching a five-year high. Complaints involving dignity and respect also increased significantly following several years of decline. 90%↑ Response-to-complaint concerns in nursing facilities (FFY 2024 to 2025) 148%↑ Response-to-complaint concerns in assisted living (FFY 2024 to 2025) 59%↑ Dignity and respect concerns (FFY 2024 to 2025) Managed Care and Self-Directed Services Complaints involving Medicaid long-term care programs, including managed care (Family Care) and self-directed service programs (IRIS), have increased steadily over the past five years. From Federal Fiscal Year 2021 to 2025, these complaints increased by 34%, including a 15% increase from Federal Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025. While most complaints continue to involve individuals receiving home and community- based services in their private homes, the fastest growth has occurred among consumers residing in facilities. During Federal Fiscal Year 2025, managed care complaints increased by 250% among nursing facility residents and 132% among assisted living resident compared to the previous year. These trends highlight the growing intersection between Medicaid long-term care program and residential long-term care settings, as well the increasing complexity of the systems consumers must navigate to access services and supports. Page 72 of 82 11 34%↑ Complaints involving Medicaid long-term care programs (FFY 2021 – 2025) 250%↑ Managed care complaints in nursing facilities (FFY 2024 to 2025) 132%↑ Managed care complaints in assisted living (FFY 2024 to 2025) Relocations and Other Long-Term Care Transitions Complaints involving transfers, discharges, evictions, and other transitions remain consistently high across long-term care settings. In nursing facilities, Federal Fiscal Year 2025 represented a five-year high, with discharge and eviction-related complaints increasing 65% from the previous year. Discharge and eviction complaints in assisted living settings remained relatively stable over the same period. These complaints often involve some of the most disruptive and high-risk events consumers experience, including involutory transfers, discharges, and concerns regarding housing stability, continuity of care, and access to needed services. Several factors may be contributing to these trends including managed care-driven transfers to less restrictive settings, provider contract terminations, increased use of discharge and transfers to address complex care needs, and reductions in skilled nursing facility capacity. 65%↑ Discharge and eviction complaints in nursing facilities (FFY 2024 to 2025) 23%↑ Admission, transfer, discharge, and eviction complaints (FFY 2021 to 2025) Facility Operations and Administrative Oversight Facility operations and administrative processes play an important role in supporting quality care, consumer rights, and accountability. Concerns involving staffing, scheduling, communication, policy implementation, and administrative oversight can directly affect a consumer’s health, safety, welfare, and quality of life. Complaints related to facility policies, practices, and procedures declined substantially between Federal Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 before increasing 33% in Federal Fiscal Year Page 73 of 82 12 2025. Administrative oversight concerns increased significantly during the year, rising 86% in nursing facilities and 100% in assisted living settings. Staffing-related concerns declined by 19% in nursing facilities but increased by 26% in assisted living settings. These trends suggest continued operational challenges in some settings and highlight the importance of effective leadership, communication, and oversight in ensuring quality services and supports. 33%↑ Complaints related to facility policies and practices (FFY 2024 to 2025) 86%↑ Administrative oversight concerns in nursing facilities (FFY 2024 to 2025) 100%↑ Administrative oversight concerns in assisted living (FFY 2024 to 2025) Program Priorities and Future Directions Care Planning as a Rights Lever Based on Ombudsman complaint data, strengthening person-centered care planning represents a significant opportunity to improve quality of care and quality of life outcomes for long-term care consumers. Care plans are more than clinical documents. They reflect an individual’s life history, preferences, values, goals, and support needs. Effective, person-centered care planning helps mitigate risk and guides many of the decisions that shape a consumer’s experience, including services, supports, transfers, discharges, and restrictive interventions. In many ways, care plans are the primary mechanism through which consumer rights are put into practice. While Ombudsman advocacy often occurs through complaint resolution, focusing on care planning practices presents an opportunity for prevention through consumer education, provider consultation, and systems advocacy. Strengthening care planning across long-term care settings, including home and community-based services, may help reduce rights violations and other significant care- related concerns before they occur. Strengthening Consumer Awareness and Advocacy in Assisted Living Page 74 of 82 13 Assisted living cases and complaints have grown steadily over the past decade, reflecting sector growth, increasing resident acuity, and greater reliance on assisted living as an alternative to nursing facility care. Increased Ombudsman presence and engagement in these settings, especially through the Ombudsman Volunteer Program, has also expanded opportunities for consumers and family members to identify and report concerns. Family members and legal representatives play a critical role in assisted living advocacy. While Ombudsman services are consumer-directed, family members and legal representatives are often the first to identify concerns, seek information, and initiate contact with the program. In Federal Fiscal Year 2025, family members and legal representatives were the primary source of complaints in assisted living settings. Strengthening consumer and family awareness of resident rights, available advocacy resources, and the role of the Ombudsman Program represents an important opportunity to improve quality of care and quality of life outcomes in assisted living settings. Future efforts may include expanded consumer and family education, development of resident and family councils, targeted outreach, and initiatives that strengthen accountability and responsiveness when concerns are raised. Strengthening Advocacy in Managed Care and Home and Community-Based Services Concerns involving Medicaid long-term care programs are a growing priority area for the Ombudsman Program, with complaints increasing steadily over the past five years. While many of these concerns involve individuals receiving services in the community, recent trends indicate increasing overlap between Medicaid long-term care programs and facility- based care systems. This trend reflects growing complexity related to service coordination, continuity of care, discharge planning, and accountability across systems. Consumers increasingly navigate multiple service delivery systems simultaneously, requiring advocacy that considers both resident care settings and Medicaid-funded long-term care services. To respond to these evolving needs, the Ombudsman Program will continue strengthening its expertise in managed care and self-directed services through staff training, competency development, and cross-training initiatives. Continued investment in specialized managed care expertise may also be necessary to ensure consumers receive effective advocacy as these systems become increasingly interconnected. Strengthening Consumer Protections During Long-Term Care Transitions Transfers, discharges, evictions and other relocation-related concerns remain a significant area of Ombudsman advocacy and reached a five-year high in Federal Fiscal Year 2025. Page 75 of 82 14 These situations often involve some of the most disruptive events consumers experience and can have significant implications for housing stability, continuity of care, health outcomes, and consumer rights. Increasingly, relocation events involve coordination across multiple systems, including long-term care providers, Medicaid managed care organizations, family members, and state agencies. As long-term care systems become more interconnected, effective advocacy requires a coordinated approach that ensures consumers remain informed, involved, and supported throughout the relocation or transition process. Future Ombudsman efforts will focus on strengthening consumer protections during transitions, improving coordination among system partners, and identifying opportunities to promote consistency, transparency, and accountability in discharge, transfer, and relocation practices across long-term care settings. Additional Systems Advocacy Efforts Beyond the priorities identified in this report, the Ombudsman Program continues to monitor broader policy and system issues that affect long-term care consumers. As service systems become increasingly complex and interconnected, ongoing attention to consumer protections, accountability, transparency, and program capacity remains essential. Ombudsman Program Funding and Capacity As the aging population grows and long-term care systems evolve, demand for Ombudsman services continues to increase. The program supports sustained federal and state investment in Ombudsman services, including resources that strengthen advocacy in assisted living and home and community-based services. Family Caregivers and Natural Supports Family members and natural supports play an important role in identifying concerns, supporting consumer decision-making, and promoting accountability within long-term care systems. The program supports policies and practices that strengthen caregiver engagement while preserving consumer choice and self-determination. Workforce Development and Staff Competency Quality long-term care depends not only on adequate staffing levels but also on staff training, experience, and ongoing professional development. The program supports efforts Page 76 of 82 15 that strengthen workforce stability and competency across long-term care settings and programs. Transparency and Accountability Consumers and families benefit from clear information regarding provider ownership, organizational responsibility, and available avenues for resolving concerns. The program supports initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and informed consumer decision-making. Resident Rights and Consumer Protections As consumers increasingly move between long-term care settings and service systems, opportunities may exist to strengthen consistency in resident rights protections, consumer education, and advocacy resources. Program Effectiveness and Challenges Successes Complaint Resolution Rate – All Settings and Programs Despite increasing demand for services, the Ombudsman Program maintained strong complaint resolution outcomes, consistent with national Ombudsman program performance. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Complaint Resolution Rates 5-Year Trend (FFY 2021 - 2025) Fully or partially resolved Not resolved Withdrawn or no action needed Page 77 of 82 16 Facility Presence and Access The Ombudsman Program continued to expand its presence in long-term care settings during Federal Fiscal Year 2025 through increased facility visitation and routine access activities. Regular Ombudsman presence helps ensure consumers have access to advocacy services, information about their rights, and opportunities to raise concerns. 40%↑ Nursing facilities receiving at least one Ombudsman visit per quarter (FFY 2024 to 2025) 106%↑ Assisted living facilities receiving at least one Ombudsman visit per quarter (FFY 2024 to 2025) Information and Assistance The Ombudsman Program expanded information and assistance services during Federal Fiscal Year 2025, providing consumers, family members, providers, and other stakeholders with education regarding resident rights, advocacy options, and long-term care resources. 43%↑ Information and assistance to consumers, family members, representatives, and the public (FFY 2024 to 2025) 18%↑ Information and assistance to facility staff and providers (FFY 2024 to 2025) Volunteer Contributions Volunteer Advocates play an important role in expanding the program’s reach and support consumer advocacy throughout Wisconsin. 99 Volunteer Advocates as of September 20, 2025 6,527 Total hours donated 27%↑ Total hours donated (FFY 2024 to FFY 2025) Page 78 of 82 17 Challenges Ombudsman-to-Consumer Ratio Demand for Ombudsman services continues to grow as Wisconsin’s long-term care system expands and becomes increasingly complex. While the program has continued to improve access to services and maintain strong outcomes, the current Ombudsman-to- consumer ratio (1:5,609)1 remains significantly above recommended staffing benchmarks, limiting the program’s ability to provide the level of advocacy and routine access envisioned under federal law. Awareness and Understanding of the Ombudsman Role Ensuring consumers, family members, legal representatives, providers, and system partners understand the role of the Ombudsman Program remains an ongoing priority. The Ombudsman Program operates under a consumer-directed advocacy mode, meaning advocacy efforts are guided by the preferences, goals, and informed choices of the consumer. This approach can differ from other service models and may create confusion regarding the Ombudsman’s role, authority, responsibilities, and limitations. Misunderstanding about confidentiality requirements, consumer direction, and the Ombudsman’s independent advocacy can affect expectations and collaboration among consumers, families, providers, and other stakeholders. Continued investment in consumer education, outreach, and partner engagement will help strengthen understanding of the Ombudsman role, improve collaboration, and ensure individuals seeking assistance understand how the program can support them. 1 The ratio was calculated by dividing the estimated service population (129k) by the number of Ombudsman Representatives including leads and specialists (23), then rounding to the nearest whole number. 1:5,609 Page 79 of 82 Page 80 of 82 Page 81 of 82 CLASSES DAYS/TIMES/TYPE Prices Last Changed 2024 Rates 2025 Rates 2026 Proposed 2027 Art Classes: Acrylic, Watercolor, Alcohol Ink etc. Supplies provided Short Term 4-8 weeks, 1-2 times per week $20.00 $20.00 $25.00 $25.00 Art Class single class-wreath, pottery skills etc. Supplies provided 1 day, 1-3 hours $12.00 $12.00 $15.00 $15.00 Arts and Crafts without supplies provided(bring your own) Quilting, Knitting, Crochet etc. 1 day to 8 weeks $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 Book Groups 1 time a month, 1-3 hours Fall/Spring sessions $6.00 $7.00 $8.00 $8.00 Bridge Lessons Beginners Tuesdays 1:-3:30 p.m. Fall/Spring $7.00 $8.00 $8.00 Cardio Drumming/Tai Chi/Seniorobics Twice a week all year $17 for 10 or $2 per $18 for 10 or $2 per $18 for 10 or $2 per18 for 10 or $2 per Computers Lobby Suggested donation Unspecified Unspecified $2.00 $2.00 Open Art 3 Sessions (Jan-April, May-August, Sept- Dec) $10.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 Open Knitting One annual fee $11.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 Open Pottery Every two months with 5# or 10# of clay $8.00 $15/$20 $25/$30 $25/$30 Pool Donations with Punch Cards/pay per play $1.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 Puzzle Pallooza One day events - fee is per team of 4 $15.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 Strummers and Singers Spring, Summer, Fall sessions $10.00 $10.00 Ukelele for Beginners 4-6 week sessions $10.00 $11.00 $15.00 $10.00 Ukelele Jam Spring, Summer, Fall sessions $10.00 $11.00 $15.00 $10.00 Walking Club Year round 1 x fee per year $4.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 Writer's Workshop (Fiction Writing) Mondays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Fall/Spring 8 weeks $12.00 $13.00 $14.00 $14.00 Woodcarving Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Fall/Spring 12 weeks $15.00 $15.00 $20.00 $20.00 Evidence Based - Health Promotion StrongBodies/Exercise Class Quarterly sessions Suggested Donation $30.00 $32.00 $32.00 $32.00 Evidence Based Workshops 3,6,&7 week sessions Suggested Donation $30.00 $32.00 $32.00 $32.00 Foot Care Clinic Fee per Clinic appointment $25.00 $30.00 $30.00 $35.00 Senior Center Amended Fee Structure Page 82 of 82