The group discussion covered a variety of current topics on October 10, 2023. Here is a summary.

Updates and feedback on current initiatives

Feedback on the September forum re: Hospice House.

• Should we do another?
• What topics should we pursue? When?
• Who do we ask?

Thank you, John and Anne, for videotaping the forum. Please send me a copy of the video so we can put it on the website. Will you put it on Facebook?

Home and Medical Service Providers List

Creating a list of outstanding home service providers and medical personnel was a central commitment when we first got together.

It was determined that we had more resources than we realized and the community needed reminding.

The list is based on our collective experiences with service and medical professionals.

We need to grow our list of references/recommendations. All were asked to contribute.

• Some of you were given folders with forms to be filled out by you/your neighbor re: home service providers and medical professionals. Please bring the completed forms—and the folders—to this meeting. I have another set of blank forms for four more people to take to neighbors to fill out.
• The task is not a difficult one. We are not asking personal questions and you don’t even need to sign them. Your names will not be printed on the document. You don’t even need a form.

Establishing a relationship with Carteret Hospital

We are still looking for an opening for the discussion with the hospital so that we might add the voice of the community into the community hospital.

In the beginning, a common comment about barriers to living in Carteret County was the lack of medical specialists necessary to age in place. We had Virginia Cuttrell and Dr. Brooks speak to us about the hiring process.

I’ve maintained the conversation with the hospital in the belief a community hospital should give the community a voice. To build on the conversation, I asked you these questions:

1. What physician specialties do you believe are not available or are not well represented in our area? In other words, what are we missing?
2. In the specialty areas you have identified in Q1, how many medical MDs of this type do you believe are in the area (could be zero), and how many are needed for you to feel you are well taken care of?

From conversations with Ms. Cuttrell, it is clear that we need to agree on our position/request before we approach the hospital again.

Possible approaches

There are several possible approaches to initiate a dialogue including, but not limited to:

• The Dept. of Health and Human Services has completed a needs study across the county. Summary findings suggest seniors want the same things as PKS seniors, e.g., age in place in their own homes, stay engaged socially, have transportation, etc.
• The County’s Strategic plan acknowledges the anticipated population growth and the aging of the population. Issues that will be affected include insurance options.
• Let’s focus on what we do have, e.g., dialysis centers, cancer treatments, and promote these services.
• Mayor Brodman suggested speaking with the PKS emergency care professionals for their perspective on what is missing in terms of care/specialists in the county.
• Explore how part timers get medical care when they are here.
• Several physicians are retiring. This puts more pressure on recruitment efforts. Some physicians are bringing family members into their practices.
• Have a discussion with your own primary care physician for any ideas they have about recruitment/what is lacking.

Food Drive

St. Francis by the Sea is having a food drive for Martha’s Mission during the lobster fest. You can pick up your lobster order and drop off canned goods at the same time.

Spoondrift Fall Festival

Spoondrift Market is hosting a Fall Festival with the help of the Police and Fire Depts.

It’s a time to meet your neighbors and their families, and enjoy the great fall weather.

The PKS Council on Aging will have a spot on the lawn between the Safety Building and Spoondrift.

Neighbors in Need

The COA was made aware of the meal needs of a resident who is home-bound. Her neighbor has been providing regular meals, but the neighbor was now moving to Beaufort.

Our partnership with Robin Smith with St. Francis by the Sea is following up on what can be provided.

Driver Services for Non-driving Residents

Mike Blawag on Beechwood volunteered to be a driver to local doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, RX pick up, etc.

If anyone is in need of transportation, please call 919-422-6090. Let him know you are part of the COA. PS: I would believe he would take a tip for gasoline.

Agenda

To inform our position, it is suggested we may want to talk to these sources:

• Identify physicians in PKS who we may speak to
• Contact the Health Department for input
• Talk with Hospice doctors
• Reach out to the PKS paramedics for insight; John B agreed to follow this up
• The United Way of Coastal Carolina was mentioned as a possible resource.
• Others?

Anne Bures and I will sift through options, check assumptions with you, and present a position to the group for follow up.