Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#44)
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
Implement statewide caregiver peer support system(s) based on successful peer support programs addressing the needs of caregivers. Successful models to replicate or expand include the Family Essential Care Program (FEP), Pfc. Dwyer Veteran Peer to Peer Program, Alzheimer’s Association Peer Support, Living Communities Caregiver Coaching Program, and OPWDDs Family Education Support Groups.
Justification
The goal of the program is to provide user-friendly, personalized, timely and ongoing support, information, and counseling to caregivers to address both their educational and emotional support needs in a culturally appropriate manner across the lifespan. Evidence supports that caregivers rely on others, such as friends, family, and community members, for support and assistance. This will remove silos and duplication of services, allowing for more comprehensive and appropriate programs and services to be provided.
Full Proposal
Establish or expand statewide caregiver peer support system(s), based on existing successful peer support programs, particularly through OMH and OASAS.
- The peer support program will match and connect experienced caregivers or former caregivers with caregivers seeking advice, information, and emotional support for their caregiving role.
- The goal of the program is to provide user-friendly, personalized, timely, ongoing support, information and counseling to caregivers to address both their informational and emotional support needs in a culturally appropriate manner across the lifespan.
- The program(s) will seek to ensure that culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, equitable, and person and family centered supports and services are available, accessible to all caregivers through equitably conscious administration.
- Provide funding sufficient to implement this proposal statewide within five years.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. If implemented, NYSOFA and DOH would convene agencies operating successful peer-to-peer services models to develop a peer-to-peer information and counseling program that would culturally and linguistically support caregivers. Proposed next steps could then include exploring the duplication of services and populations served, determining opportunities for expansion and areas of overlap to develop collaborative programs, as well as developing information and assistance counseling materials on supportive services available for caregivers. Funding allocations would be subject to the annual budget process and the availability of resources.