Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#94)
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
Create a holistic health and wellness program with a focus on physical and mental health for elderly veterans in New York State. This program should increase access to specialized services, programs and education.
Justification
There is limited access to health and wellbeing services for elderly veterans in New York State. This proposal would expand access to services and increase overall availability of services, programs and education.
Full Proposal
Enhance the health and wellbeing of Veterans in New York State through the creation of a holistic health and wellness program. The program should include:
- Physical health support, including physical health checkups to implement health screenings initiatives for prevention, including the detection of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.
- Specialized access to medical care, including geriatric care, cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
- Access to rehabilitation assistance including physical and occupational therapy services, for the preservation of mobility and independence.
- Mental health support including counseling/therapy sessions for a variety of mental health concerns such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, access to peer support groups and telehealth options.
- Health education programs and resources including workshops and seminars on topics such as nutrition, exercise, and managing chronic conditions.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term and is currently being implemented at DVS. DVS and state agency partners can continue to enhance the wellness of older Veterans through health and education outreach and collaborative efforts to successfully implement the components of this proposal.