Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#45)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Through budgetary and regulatory actions, as well as advocacy to the federal government, improve wages received by Respite and Social Adult Services employees.
Justification
The adequacy of respite and social adult day care workers should be reviewed for the possibility of increases to improve quality of care, reduce turnover rates, enhance job satisfaction, and contribute to the professionalization of the field. Fair pay attracts skilled and dedicated caregivers, ensuring high-quality care for clients. Competitive wages attract new talent and improve continuity of care. Raising wages also stimulates local economies, as caregivers spend their earnings on goods and services, benefiting communities.
Full Proposal
Improve access and utilization of Respite and Social Adult Services by improving wages received by employees delivering these services:
- Ensure funding for the AAA network, which utilizes the same licensed home care entities for non-Medicaid home care services, so the network can pay wages sufficient in comparison to home care rates.
- Assess and adjust adequacy of respite care and social adult day service wages to reflect current practices and costs of providing the service, particularly as the need for services to support people to remain in their homes will grow.
- Urge the federal government to address the Federal Wage Index which disadvantages non-hospital Medicare providers.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as long-term. Governor Hochul has made a commitment to affordability in New York, reinforced most recently by the state’s first-ever inflation rebates included in the FY26 Enacted Budget. As part of this commitment, the FY24 Enacted Budget made a historic multiyear commitment to index the minimum wage to inflation. Any next steps on this proposal should include an evaluation of access to, quality of, and demand for Social Adult and respite care services across the state, in order to inform potential investments. Any such investments would be subject to the annual budget process and the availability of resources.