Senior Citizens Advisory Board Meeting - September 3, 2026

The Senior Citizens Advisory Board met on September 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Civic Center meeting room. The meeting included a comprehensive panel presentation on senior care resources, board member updates from wards, and approval of previous meeting minutes. The board also discussed future meeting topics and community outreach strategies.

Approval of Minutes

• The board unanimously approved the final minutes of the regular meeting of August 6, 2026, by a motion from Member Ents and a voice vote of all present.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the public comment period for agenda items or during the citizens' participation portion.

Presentation on Senior Care Resources

• Jessica Gibson, Vice President of Business Development for Comfort Hospice and Palliative Care, led a panel discussion covering all aspects of senior care. Panelists included:
  • Mandy Ward (Vitalux Medical Solutions) – discussed home health services, pharmacy delivery, mobile lab services, mobile primary care, and mobile wound care, emphasizing that these services are typically covered by insurance and that patients always have a choice of provider.
  • Justin Banks – discussed personal care assistant (PCA) services, highlighting the importance of home care for aging in place, the need for background checks on caregivers, and the limitations of insurance coverage (Medicare does not cover PCA, but Medicaid and VA benefits may).
  • Brenda Biscard – discussed real estate transitions for seniors, including sorting belongings, financial decisions, and coordinating moves, and stressed the need for a team approach.
• Jessica Gibson clarified that hospice care is covered 100% by insurance, does not affect SSI, and allows patients to keep their primary physician if desired, though hospice provides 24/7 support.
• Board members asked questions:
  • David Tilzer (Ward 4) asked about maintaining a personal physician while on hospice; Gibson explained that while possible, hospice medical directors are typically more accessible.
  • Charles Lee (Ward 5) asked whether mobile care providers are covered by Medicare/Medicaid; Mandy Ward confirmed that such services are typically covered under insurance.
• Chair Cameron praised the panel and suggested bringing the presentation to individual wards to reach more seniors. The panelists agreed to present to any group, large or small.

Board Member Reports on Senior Issues and Events (Ward Reports)

• Ward 1 (Vice Chair Nicole Graham): Noted road closures and detours near the Las Vegas Medical District, urged safety for seniors. Announced the Levi Living Well Expo for Seniors on September 11 at Santa Fe Station and Free Elders Day on October 24 at the West Las Vegas Theater.
• Ward 3 (Member Drum): No report; had been traveling. Thanked Councilwoman Olivia Diaz for her engagement with seniors.
• Ward 4 (Member Ents): Reported a productive meeting with the YMCA director on North Buffalo and promoted a fraud prevention workshop on September 24 at 4 p.m. near Buffalo and Cheyenne, featuring a former judge.
• Ward 4 (David Tilzer): Spoke to the Sun City Patrol Group on August 25, joined by Chair Cameron and Mayor Berkeley. The group serves over 13,000 residents. Announced a health expo in September and highlighted National Preparedness Month (website: LasVegasNevada.gov/ready).
• Ward 5 (Charles Lee): No report.
• Ward 6 (Member Mosdeen): Reminded of Councilwoman Nancy Bruni’s Bocaditos meeting on September 10 at 9 a.m. at the YMCA on Buffalo. Promoted the city’s Older Adults Home Modification Program, offering up to $5,000 in low-barrier modifications for eligible seniors. Encouraged seniors to attend events in any ward.
• Ward 6 (Chair Cameron): Addressed safety concerns about e-bikes and scooters; noted that the issue is being discussed with Metro. Reported on her visit to Sun City with David Tilzer and the mayor, and noted that food insecurity exists even in Sun City. Also reported that the home modification program has already completed 10 assessments. She organized a successful happy hour event for socialization and continues to bring resources to seniors.

Discussion Regarding Next Steps and Future Meeting Topics

• The board acknowledged a long list of potential topics and will continue to address them at future meetings. No new topics were added.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the August 6, 2026 meeting minutes.
• The panel presentation on senior care resources was well received; the board expressed interest in having the panel present in individual wards.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Civic Center meeting room.
• The board will continue to explore topics such as the home modification program (with a potential presentation at the next meeting), fraud prevention, and transportation issues.