By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
This may go down as the year of full services at Wood County senior centers despite ongoing staff shortages.
The human resources manager doubles as a home delivered meals driver. The treasurer fills in shifts in the kitchen. The executive director goes to satellite centers to make sure services are available in the more rural areas.
“We’ve been able through all of these difficulties to keep our doors open,” said Paul Herringshaw, president of the Wood County Committee on Aging.
On Wednesday, the WCCOA Board got an update on staffing shortages. Human Resources Manager Jason Miller reported there are nine unfilled openings. That’s nearly a fourth of the 40-person staff (28 full-time and 12 part-time) that operates the eight senior center sites and the production kitchen.
Throughout the year, the staff has been cross-training to fill empty spots.
“Everyone’s doing double duty,” said WCCOA Executive Director Denise Niese.
“The staff is always on their toes,” Herringshaw said. “We owe a great big ‘thank you’ to our staff for all they have done.”
Among the current open positions are North Baltimore site manager, northeast route driver, social services nurse, home delivered meals assessor, program and outreach specialist, program and enrichment specialist, cook, and evening cleaner. The opening for a social services specialist was just filled, Niese said.
To show appreciation for the staff, the board voted Wednesday to give Niese $32,500 to distribute to employees at her discretion for their hard work under difficult conditions. The board also plans to grant 4.5% pay raises next year. Some lower paid positions may be increased at a higher rate.
Despite the ongoing staff shortages, the senior centers continue to provide a wide array of services, Niese said. She presented the following numbers for the third quarter of the year:
- 1,065 meals were prepared for the annual Thanksgiving lunch on Nov. 10, and 1,021 were served on Dec. 8 for the annual holiday lunch of roast beef.
- Two shelf-stable meals were delivered to all home delivered meal participants, so they have food on hand in case the weather conditions prevent home deliveries.
- Guiding Pathways adult day services are growing, demonstrating the need for such programs, Niese said.
- 123 Medicare consultations were completed during the open enrollment period.
- 137 seniors participated in 17 LivelyU programs for the fall semester.
Niese also reported on the MemoryLane Care services that are expected to be operating at a minimal level at the Wood County Senior Center in Bowling Green by the second quarter of 2023. The services are contingent upon Older Americans Act funding awarded to MemoryLane Care Services by the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio.
In other business on Wednesday:
- Board member Sue Hess collected donations from fellow board members for grandparents raising grandchildren during the holidays. “There are a lot of grandparents who really can’t afford Christmas,” she said. The board donated a total of $612 to help 27 children during the holidays.
- The board learned that four board members had been re-elected – Roger Anderson, Sue Hess, Tom Milbrodt and George Stossel. Two other members, Tim McCarthy and Jim Miles, were reappointed.
- Board member Sue Hart-Douglas reported on additions to the senior centers across the county, made possible by funds from the Friends of WCCOA. The items purchased included laptops with cameras, tablets and bluetooth speakers. Seniors at the center in Walbridge were watching “Risky Business” on Wednesday, and requested the “Thornbirds” series for January, Niese said.
- Board member Nancy Orel reported on mosaics being made for the south windows in the dining room at the senior center in Bowling Green. The mosaics will picture the four seasons, and could be installed as early as the summer of 2023.
