Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#79)
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
Fund the NYS Caregiving and Respite Coalition (NYSCRC) in order to focus on advocacy, networking, public education, caregiver training, increasing access to respite, and assisting family caregivers in accessing respite care services.
Justification
The NYSCRC has demonstrated success in ensuring respite services that provide necessary relief to caregivers and unnecessary institutionalization for those receiving care. Establishing the NYSCRC as a state-funded initiative will further expand accessibility to respite services and strengthen best practices to meet the dynamic needs of those receiving respite services.
Full Proposal
Fund the NYSCRC to establish the program as a new state initiative to ensure permanence, strength, future funding opportunities, and the furtherance of its mission. To support all people involved in caregiving and its commitment to quality and accessible respite for all. NYSCRC is an integral part of the New York Lifespan Respite Care System and is a strong collaborative partner. The initiative will ensure NYSCRC supports and strengthens the caregiver network programs with training and technical assistance, innovative approaches to the use of evidence-based approaches for meeting caregiver needs and provides respite services. The success of the initiative will be monitored utilizing data analysis for grant funding, analysis of post-respite program surveys, and include progress reports for outcome results.
- Fund the NYSCRC to establish the program as a New York State initiative, whose activities focus on advocacy, networking, public education, caregiver training, increasing access to respite, and assisting family caregivers in accessing respite care services.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. Funding decisions are made in the context of the annual budget process and are subject to the availability of resources. Proposed first steps for implementation could include engagement with the NYSCRC on incorporation into the development of aging and long-term care policy for New York State. Next steps could include identifying grant opportunities to support the program’s work with older New Yorkers. Proposed metrics for evaluation would include an analysis of grant funding, access to respite care services, and staffing needs.