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1. Background:
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The number of residents in the Fairfax Community who are unable
to perform essential activities of daily living is increasing
dramatically. Without adequate planning, existing agencies and
institutions both private and public, will be unprepared to
effectively respond to residents' needs for Long Term Care in the
future.
2. Establishment:
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On March 22, 1999, the Board of Supervisors endorsed a
recommendation brought forward by the Advisory Social Services
Board and the Commission on Aging, that a citizen study group
develop a Strategic Plan for Long Term Care service delivery. The
Board requested a plan be returned to them for consideration. In
response to this request, a small working group composed of
representatives from the Advisory Board, Disability Services
Board, Health Care Advisory Board, Commission on Aging and staff
developed a Charter for this effort. On August 2, 1999 the Board
endorsed this Charter, which included the major elements of the
plan. Approval was given for the County Executive to go forward
with this effort and appoint members to the Task Force.
3. Purpose:
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To study the Long Term Care resources and needs in Fairfax
County.
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To look at ways to strengthen the ability of individuals,
families, caregivers, and volunteers in caring for the elderly
and adults with disabilities through both private and public
sectors.
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To make recommendations on meeting these needs in the most
efficient and effective manner.
4. Composition: The Task Force was composed of 40 individuals
including representatives from:
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Interested citizen groups
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Relevant County Boards, Authorities, and Commissions
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Businesses/Corporations
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Long Term Care provider agencies/institutions
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Educational Institutions
5. Definition of Long Term Care as determined by the Task Force
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Long Term Care is the sum of policies and programs that provide
social, health, rehabilitative, and supportive services over an
extended period of time to those individuals who are limited in
performing major life activities. The Task Force identified
persons 65 and over, and adults under 65 with disabilities as the
primary focus of its efforts.
6. Phase one of the Work Process:
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The Task Force began its work in November of 1999. It spent time
learning about demographic and socioeconomic trends, as well as
national, state and local service delivery issues. The Task Force
divided itself into five subcommittees to collect data regarding:
housing, transportation, supports to families, community-based
services and in-home services. Members analyzed these issues
looking at availability, accessibility, acceptability and
affordability. The findings of these five subcommittees were
compiled and the initial report on trends and services gaps was
published in October 2000.
7. Community Input Process:
In November of 2000 the Task Force hosted four public forums
throughout Fairfax County. At these forums concerned citizens
assisted the Task Force by validating data collected throughout the
initial phase of the work and by identifying additional needs and
gaps in long term care. In November 2001, a town meeting was held
to present the proposed recommendations and to gather further input
from interested citizens. The full report was also available on the
County's web site; citizens were encouraged to submit written
comments by e-mail or in writing.
8. Phase two of the Work Process:
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In late November 2000 Task Force Members considered the many
assets the County has in every sector of our community that can
be used to help meet Long Term Care needs. The members then broke
into 10 "Incubator Groups" associated with specific gaps
in services. These groups included:
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Ensuring a strong paid work force providing quality care
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Strategies to make Long Term Care more affordable and available
through expanded third party coverage
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Creating transportation strategies
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Creating housing strategies
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Improving consumer and provider awareness, education and care
management
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Strengthening community care options
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Improving mental health
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Overcoming language and cultural barriers
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Increasing health capacity
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Creating an environment that supports independence
In addition to Task Force members, each of these groups included
other interested individuals from the community who volunteered their
expertise in these specific areas. As the Incubator Groups presented
the strategies it became apparent that there were four dominant
themes:
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Increasing Public Awareness
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Connecting People to Services
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Promoting Independent, Supportive Living
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Improving the Quality and Expanding the Workforce.
A group was assigned to each of these themes and given responsibility
for preparing a final set of relevant goals, objectives and
strategies. These recommendations received very positive support
during a public hearing in November of 2001, and were adopted by the
Task Force as a whole in December of 2001. The Strategic Plan with
goals, objectives and strategies was presented to the Human Services
Council on February 25, 2002 and to the Board of Supervisors on March
4, 2002. The full report is available on the Fairfax County Health Department Web site
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