Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#63)
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
Establish a Governor-appointed Caregiver Coordinating Commission (Commission) in state law to coordinate statewide planning, development, and implementation of caregiver support services for informal family caregivers. This Commission will incorporate caregiver feedback, conduct analyses of respite programs and review best practices, as well as develop an annual report.
Justification
Caregivers play a crucial role in the lives of older adults but often face obstacles to providing care. The state should establish a Caregiving Coordinating Commission to uplift the important voices of caregivers while also prioritizing cross-sector collaboration to create meaningful change via policies, services, and supports that benefit the well-being of older adults and their caregivers.
Full Proposal
Establish a Governor-appointed Caregiver Coordinating Commission led by NYSOFA into state law. The Caregiver Coordinating Commission will coordinate statewide planning, development, and implementation of caregiver support services, including respite care, for informal family caregivers caring for those across the lifespan. The Commission will be charged with:
- Gathering caregiver feedback and concerns using various approaches and disseminating relevant information about available services, including respite care.
- Exploring and analyzing effective respite care programs in other states.
- Creating a caregiver support model consisting of best practices in New York and other states.
- Providing an ongoing analysis of best practices, including informal caregiver support programs in New York and other states and programs that support caregivers in the workplace.
- Coordinating activities of existing and proposed informal caregiver support services among State and local units.
- Continually researching funding opportunities and working with Commission members if the opportunity requires a government applicant.
- Determining unmet needs and funding priorities.
- Monitoring and implementing the Commission’s recommendations.
- Providing an annual policy review.
- Annual strategic planning.
- Submitting an annual report for the Governor.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. Proposed evaluation metrics include analysis of improved coordination of caregiver supports. This proposal would require funding resources that would need to be considered through the annual State budget process and would be subject to the availability of resources.