The Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners is asking county residents who have empathy for senior citizens and an interest in elder care to apply to fill two vacant positions on the Community Advisory Committee.

Dee Dee Bullock, James Cahoon, and Linda Holton are serving currently on the five-member group.

Residents with prior service on the committee are Joan Batson, Faye Boyd, and Edwina LaBonte.

The committee was created two years ago following the opening of Tyrrell House, an adult care home in Columbia.

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members for nursing homes and adult care homes are trained volunteers who operate under the regional ombudsman.

The regional ombudsman for northeastern counties is Brandi Jordan, MSW, at the Albemarle Commission in Hertford, telephone 252-426-5753 ext 225.

CACs were established by state law to be volunteer, grassroots advocates for residents in long-term care facilities and serve nursing homes, adult care homes, and family care homes within their county.

CAC members are trained by the regional ombudsman. Advisory Committee members are required to complete 15 hours of initial orientation and training.

CAC members spend an average of 10 hours per quarter fulfilling their primary responsibilities, which include visiting long term care facilities and attending mandatory quarterly education training with the regional ombudsman.

Appointees must be 18 years or older and must reside in Tyrrell County.  They cannot have an immediate family member residing in or employed by the type of home that their committee covers, nor can they have a financial interest in a long-term care facility.

Individuals willing to serve on the Tyrrell Community Advisory Committee, or who want more information, are asked to contact Penny Rhodes Owens, board clerk, at 252-796-2621.