New Year of Growth and Community Support

| Senior Solutions News
Mark Boutwell

Mark Boutwell, Executive Director

Director’s Message, January 2022

Welcome to all our friends, community partners, volunteers, and staff as we look forward to a happy and healthy New Year. At Senior Solutions, 2022 is starting off with a delivery of 1,400 antigen COVID-19 tests to meal sites, senior centers and adult day centers in Southeastern Vermont. In response to advocacy from meal sites, adult day centers and area agencies on aging throughout the state, the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) earmarked approximately 7,000 test kits statewide for senior centers and meal sites. It has been challenging for these sites to easily access off-site testing on a regular basis for both consumers and staff. Having these tests on hand will enable sites to monitor participants and staff on a regular basis for COVID so they can manage their services accordingly. We are grateful to the folks at VDH for responding to this need.
In response to the recent surge in COVID-19/Omicron cases, we have instructed our case managers to refrain from making home visits unless absolutely necessary. We are highly aware of the health risks to our clients and staff, and believe it is our responsibility to take these precautions. This is a temporary restriction that we are reviewing weekly. Our expectation is that we will resume regular home visits by the end of the month.
You may have seen that our staff is expanding. In response to growing referrals for our services, we are excited to be adding two case management positions We are also seeking to fill a Medicare/HelpLIne Specialist position and a part-time front desk support position. With significant workforce shortages, it is a challenging time to be recruiting. However, we believe that with our positive reputation throughout Southeastern Vermont and our strong values-based work environment, we can attract employees dedicated to our mission of promoting the wellbeing and dignity of older Vermonters.
We look forward to a new year of building on our standard of quality person-centered home-based case management, information and referral, nutrition, volunteer and outreach services. And we will continue to strengthen our partnerships with community partner organizations throughout our service area as we all collaborate to help older Vermonters age in the place of their choice, with the support they need and the opportunity for meaningful relationships and active engagement in their communities.
Mark Boutwell,
Executive Director