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Health commission warns IOA license change for Swindells Alzheimer’s day program could be 'detrimental' unless a new site is secured
Summary
The Health Commission approved a resolution finding that moving the Irene Swindells Alzheimer’s adult day program to sole Institute on Aging licensure could harm services if IOA does not secure a suitable new location and provide comparable services; IOA said it is 'guardedly optimistic' about its Presidio relocation and fundraising.
The San Francisco Health Commission on Nov. 29 reviewed a Proposition Q notice from California Pacific Medical Center and Institute on Aging seeking to change licensing of the Irene Swindells Alzheimer’s adult day program so IOA would be solely licensed to operate the program.
The commission approved a revised resolution finding the change "will have a detrimental impact on the health care services in the community if IOA is unable to secure a suitable new location for the program and provide similar or expanded services to seniors." The resolution was amended to require continuation "without interruption" where possible and to request updates to the commission.
Sneha Patel of the Office of Policy and Planning told commissioners the day program serves an estimated 70 unduplicated participants and averages about 30 participants per day with mild to moderate dementia. IOA currently manages the program while CPMC provides the facility; CPMC plans to close its California campus in spring 2019, and IOA said it has secured temporary property in the Presidio and has raised more than half of its renovation goal.
Tom Bridal, identified in the record as representing IOA, described progress on fundraising and renovation plans and said, "I remain guardedly optimistic that we will proceed with the new site." Commissioners and public commenters urged caution; geriatrician Dr. Teresa Palmer testified that participants with dementia need continuity and warned of a likely service gap if the new site is not ready before the campus closure.
The resolution adopted by the commission determines the change's potential impact and encourages IOA to secure a suitable location, ensure equivalent services, and provide updates to the commission. The commission also approved an amendment adding language to minimize disruption "without interruption."
Next steps: the commission's resolution requests that IOA report back with confirmation of a suitable site and that staff monitor service continuity; the commission suggested voluntary updates within months to verify the transition plan.
