11/20/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Mr. Kahle said the three major areas of concern to the Aging Commission would be housing, safety, and health. He said alternative methods of housing would be explored. He said the displacement of mobile homes would be a concern and shared housing would be an important issue. Mr. Kahle said elder abuse is finally receiving the amount of attention it warrants. He said it has existed for a long time, but has been a "silent" problem. He said a recent survey of senior citizens taken by the commission showed that two-thirds of the respondents felt it was unsafe to go outside their homes in the evening, even when with a friend. He said this fear may be unrealistic, but creates a real problem. Mr. Kahle said long-term health care will be one of the commission's main health concerns. He said the City probably cannot alleviate this problem and most help will have to come from the Federal level. However, he said the commission can monitor whatever actions are taken on this issue. He said spousal impoverishment is one part of the long-term health care issue and is something which can be worked on at the City level. He said the commission can endorse appropriate legislation. He pointed out that Nancie Fadeley, an Aging Commission member and former State legislator, has said that support from the Council Legislative Committee would help promote legislation aimed at spousal impoverishment. Ms. Barnhart thanked the council for supporting the change in Oregon open meeting laws. She said all open meetings must be held in accessible locations and an interpreter provided with 24 hours' notice. She said this e should open meetings to many people who might not otherwise be able to participate. Ms. Barnhart complimented the Mayor for taking the initiative to talk to hearing-impaired persons who attend meetings with an interpreter. Ms. Barnhart explained that the Americans with Disabilities Act has passed the Senate and may pass the House. She said this civil rights legislation is directed to people with disabilities. She said passage of the legislation would affect the entire country. Ms. Barnhart said health care has improved to the extent that people are living longer and developing disabilities, and people who might have died are living, but with disabilities. She said this meant that most people would either experience a disability in their lifetime or know someone with a disability. Ms. Barnhart said more people with disabilities and the families of people with disabilities are seeking employment. She said these people want the chance to be part of the community. In addition, she said accessible, affordable housing is becoming a bigger issue. She said health care costs are an important issue for people with disabilities and their families. Mr. Griffin said that the community of minorities refers to everyone who is not white. He said that in the 1990s the Minority Commission would be interested in employment and in the opportunity to provide input to City boards and commissions. He suggested it would be helpful for the City to provide a minorities office where minorities could go to discuss issues of e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 20, 1989 Page 4 Dinner/Work Session ------