Health Commission approves Laguna Honda FY23 resident gift fund budget

Lily Conover, chief financial officer at Laguna Honda, presented the FY22–23 resident gift fund budget to the Health Commission and explained programmatic realignments and modest increases in line items intended to resume programming as COVID restrictions ease. Conover said smaller earmarked line items were consolidated into miscellaneous and special programs, the wish‑list program was expanded to multiple rounds, and the holiday gift program budget increased to reflect higher costs and a broader catalog of items.

Conover described a planned discharge support program that would provide a prepaid Visa card to residents for toiletries and immediate needs upon discharge, and she noted that a recently adopted gift‑card policy would support implementation. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about activity therapy outings and the medical clowning program; Conover described medical clowning as periodic unit visits that provide entertainment and social interaction.

A motion to approve the gift fund budget was moved and seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote without recorded opposition. Director Kovacs thanked the gift fund and Laguna Honda staff for supporting resident‑centered programs during the facility’s recertification period.

The Commission approved the budget as presented; staff will implement the budget and return with any required operational updates.