1986-04-29 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-3 - Mr. Lambie made the opening statement that we are not running a welfare program but it seems to be what is happening in regard to paying for people having the visiting nurse come to their homes. The Board has not been pleased with the type of visits that have been listed and that raises questions as to how these visits that we pay for are picked. At this point, we are going to "cut bait" or strengthen the program. At this point, we feel there is just no sure way to pick the clients, no means tests, some people may be missing out while others are being taken care of through Board of Health payments that may not be eligible. There was discussion by Dr. Asarkof of the poor publicity the Board of Health received because of an incident of a visiting nurse not answering a "call for help" and blaming the Board of Health because they stopped visits that they had to pay for. Rita Sullivan had written a letter to the Town Manager discussing this subject but made the Board of Health out the "bad guy" without knowing what had really taken place. The manager called the health director up to his office for an explanation. Gary Davis of MMHC said that those on real low income the Welfare Department but people living with $17,000. or finding health care. Linda Crew Vine and Dorothy Boggia wanted to know if said they would be willing to sit down with the Board to can be referred to under has a hard time they could help. They discuss a solution. Dr. Goldmann said it is the town's problem not the Board of Health's. Everyone is in general agreement that something should be done but there has to be a fairer way. Many people that need help do not get it, others that are aware of the visiting nurses coming are able to get the visit paid for. The Board is in agreement that the town should be in this business and not the Board of Health. The Human Services Department should also be into this. Gary Davis was told that had a case that he felt came under the Board of Health and needed help he could call the Director and discuss it and may be given permission to go ahead with payment from the Board of Health. Dr. Golmann feels there should be a committee set up like the Biohazards Committee and let them study the problem. It was decided that Mr. Smith shall write a letter to the manager and explain the Board's position on the subject of the elderly health problems and let him know that the visiting nurses, Minuteman home care and the C.O.A. are all in agreement that it is more the town's responsibility not the Public Health's responsibility to pay these fees. After further discussion the Board thanked everyone for coming in to discuss this problem and the people retired. Mr. Lambie announced to us that his term as a Board member is up this year and he is thinking of pulling out as a member of the Board of Health. The Board said that they are sorry to see him leave but Mr. Lambie feels he has given about twenty years of service as a member and it is time that he resigns. The Board adjourned at 9:40 p.m.