Upon arrival at the Browning Room of the Central Library, attendees were asked to sign the attendance sheet and were offered refreshments.  Those attendees who had not previously completed the photo release form were asked to do so.  Previous bingo winners were presented with their photo, taken at the last meeting. 

The Area-Wide Resident Council meeting began at 2:30 p.m., at which time attendees were welcomed and provided with general housekeeping information.  Introductions were made for: Michelle Motta, Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Rebecca Adamson, VOICES, Inc.’s Administrative Assistant. Roll call was taken with residents from 4 local long-term care homes in attendance for a total of 19 residents present.

Laura Williams, Area-Wide Resident Council Liaison Chairperson, reported that she had attempted to call the resident council presidents of the long-term care homes in Vanderburgh County.  Of those she was able to speak with, they were not very interested in designating one individual to serve as a resident liaison.  Ms. Williams would make an effort to contact the remaining resident council presidents. 

Michelle Motta solicited suggestions for articles for upcoming quarterly editions of VOICES Viewpoint.  The attendees had no recommendations.  Michelle Motta asked that attendees contact her with any suggestions to improve the newsletter.

The VOICES fundraiser was the next topic.  Michelle Motta explained that due to drastic funding cuts over the last 3 years, the agency was going to have a fundraiser in the fall.  The event will be The Greatest Generation . . .  A Celebration! and will be a mix of food, entertainment, music and dancing.  Residents are encouraged to come.  The event will take place on Sunday, November 8th at the Annex on the St. Mary’s Medical Center campus.  The cost to attend will be between $5 and $10. 

Residents were informed that almost everyone who received social security, Railroad Retirement Benefits, Veterans Disability Compensation or Veterans Pension Benefits in November, December 2008 or January 2009, would be eligible for the $250 stimulus payment.  However, nursing home residents who receive Medicaid Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in the form of a $30/mo personal needs allowance will not receive the $250 payment.    

There is no need to file a tax return for this stimulus benefit; the Social Security Administration is making this payment automatically (by direct deposit or mailed check).  Qualifying individuals should receive their benefit in June.  If it is not received, attendees were instructed to call the Social Security Administration or Michelle Motta for assistance.  For nursing home residents, the facility, a representative payee, or other payee may not keep the money as payment to themselves.  The money belongs to the beneficiary and is to be used as that person sees fit.  Payments are not taxable and won’t count as income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal or state benefits.

A short PowerPoint program was given on various rights of residents of long-term care homes.  Michelle Motta answered questions from the attendees.  After the presentation, Michelle Motta announced that a representative from Indiana Legal Services was not available for today’s meeting but would be at the August 7th meeting to give a presentation on Advance Directives (Power of Attorney, Appointment of Healthcare Representative, Do Not Resuscitate Order, Living Will, and Guardianship).

The attendees were polled to see if they wanted to keep the meetings on Fridays from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.  The attendees either agreed or had no preference to keep the meetings on the same day and time.

Refreshments were available.  Bingo was enjoyed.  The meeting concluded at 4:00 p.m