The Aging Futures Partnership structure includes a Core Management Team, Workgroups and advisory committees. The structure is intended to: 1) support planning for the long term care system in Broome County, 2) promote shared decision-making, and 3) facilitate activities outlined in grant work plans and the Partnership's Strategic Plan.

Charge: To facilitate planning that enhances Broome County's community-based long term care system.

Activities: The Partnership will share information, discuss issues, support program development and interagency collaboration, the development of community resources and reports, and evaluate community efforts. Members will work towards the recomendations and activities identified in the Aging Futures Strategic Plan.

Charge: To oversee Partnership activities, including the implementation of the Community Partnership for Older Adults' activities and recommend future sustainable program directions to the full Partnership. The Core Committee seeks guidance from the overall Partnership, as well as workgroups and advisory committees, to facilitate their work and to inform their decision-making.

Activities: Members will monitor progress on the work plan and Strategic Plan; they will secure grant resources, monitor the fiscal status of the Partnership, and make recommendations to the full Partnership on procedures and policies; they will identify opportunities for the Partnership and possible areas for collaboration.

Decision Making Authority: The Core Management Team monitors changes that impact budget, staff assignments or significant changes in the work plan. Core is authorized to act on behalf of the Partnership when necessary.

Workgroups and committees are utilized to manage components of the work plan, solicit ideas, generate community solutions and coordinate community-based activities. They are empowered to make decisions related to their work plan areas consistent with budget allocations, staff assignments and planned activities.

Charge: To develop and recommend strategies that will prevent functional decline among Broome County seniors diagnosed with chronic disease and support seniors in remaining independent and capable of continuing in their preferred environment.

Activities: Members will review and respond to recommendations outlined in the Chronic Disease Workgroup Report, December 2003. The Improving Chronic Care Model, a national program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will be used focusing on components that should foster productive interactions between patients who take an active part in their care and providers backed up by resources and expertise.

Charge: To support public education about Aging Futures and to promote awareness of senior issues and services.

Activities: Develop and implement an internal and external Communications Plan. Present and recommend updated versions of the Communication Plan to the full Partnership on an annual basis. The plan identifies communication goals, target audiences and resources. The plan will also articulate details about the Partnership's internal and external communication strategies.

Charge: To oversee a comprehensive evaluation process for the Partnership that will allow the Partnership to measure how successfully system change is happening and assist to secure resources and sustainability.

Activities: Develop and implement the evaluation plan, monitor progress, meet with committee representatives and subcontractors to discuss the mechanics of data collection and evaluation processes. Integrate newly available data with existing information and make available to the Partnership. Develop systems to address future data collection needs.

Charge: To coordinate professional and educational development opportunities for the Partnership and especially activities that will promote systems change.

Activities: Survey the Partnership about desired and needed professional development experiences (e.g. related to cross training and Partnership development), coordinate professional events and opportunities.

Charge: To facilitate community discussion and activities that will result in increased social connectivity among seniors, especially for those vulnerable and frail age 75 and older.

Activities: To review and respond to recommendations outlined in the Social Connections Workgroup Report, December 2003; to promote awareness among seniors about the importance of social connectivity; to enhance the capacity of the community to respond to isolation issues and support agencies and community groups offering services and visitation to homebound seniors.

The primary roles of Advisory Committees are to enhance Partnership initiatives and to support the subcontracting agencies. Advisory Committees enrich the community process by ensuring community based feedback and by offering ideas or troubleshooting assistance. Committees are formed as needed.

09/2005