County Supervisors Approve Flex Days for Staff Caring for Older Kin

The Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously accredited giving San Diego County staff as much as three flex days to make use of in emergency conditions whereas taking good care of an older member of the family.

Supervisors additionally directed Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer to broaden a pilot program, first accredited Sept. 12, providing an emergency childcare flex day system.

The supervisors’ actions Tuesday got here after listening to an replace on the Getting old Roadmap, first accredited in 2019, which focuses on points similar to caregiver assist, security and volunteer alternatives for older adults, and medical and social companies.

Naomi Chavez, deputy director of county Getting old and Unbiased Providers, up to date the board on roadmap options, together with a coaching device equipment, security proposals, a chief geriatric officer, digital inclusion, caregiving assist and inexpensive housing.

Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas mentioned the system was a great way to assist aged residents in a holistic method, particularly after seniors confronted quite a few challenges after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supervisor Joel Anderson additionally provided kudos on the report.

“I believe we’re on the best path,” he mentioned. “I believe we’re doing an awesome job.”

Anderson added that with seniors being the fastest-growing group of homeless individuals,
“every little thing we will do to maintain them of their houses, to assist them keep their life, it’s nice for them, but additionally good for society as a complete.”

Supervisor Jim Desmond mentioned, “As a senior, I’m glad to assist (the roadmap).”

In an announcement after the vote, Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer mentioned the pilot program “will make life slightly simpler for San Diegans serving to relations age with dignity.”

“Extra San Diegans are attempting to stability holding down a job with taking good care of an growing older beloved one,” Lawson-Remer added. “You shouldn’t lose pay simply because your mother, dad or grandparent wants emergency assist. By offering paid break day for employees at one of many area’s largest employers, we hope to offer a mannequin others can observe.”

Throughout a quick public remark interval, the expanded household care choice acquired assist from Nate Wollmann, vice chairman of Service Staff Worldwide Union Native 221.

Wollmann mentioned he knew of 1 member of the county’s Baby and Household Effectively-Being Division who wished to talk at Tuesday’s assembly, however couldn’t as a result of her mom was in hospice care.

“There are others like her who would profit from this initiative,” Wollmann mentioned.

Lawson-Remer’s workplace additionally mentioned that in San Diego County, over 783,500 individuals are age 60 and older, in keeping with the California Division of Finance.

By 2030, the variety of county residents 60 and older is anticipated to extend to greater than 910,000, in keeping with Lawson-Remer’s workplace.

Metropolis Information Service contributed to this text.