Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#105)
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
Older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including their aging caregivers, face significant barriers in accessing coordinated support from the aging services system and OPWDD provider network. Often people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to be cared for by aging family members, resulting in a multi-faceted need for support and planning. Improving workforce competency and enhancing coordination between aging services, NYSOFA, DOH, and OPWDD providers is essential to better serve this population.
Justification
Requiring medical professionals to receive specialized training on working with older adults and individuals with disabilities, particularly people with developmental disabilities due to the specificity of their needs, would improve the quality of care and health outcomes for this vulnerable group. Strengthening partnerships and communication between aging services and OPWDD would ensure more coordinated, effective support and service delivery.
Full Proposal
People with disabilities are living longer and do not have adequate access to healthcare, healthcare professionals, or coordinated support from the aging services system nor the OPWDD provider network. Healthcare professionals are unable to effectively work with this population and the state service systems do not coordinate to serve older adults with disabilities.
- Improve quality of care, health outcomes and supports for older adults and people with disabilities by increasing healthcare workforce competency and ensuring workforce employment of best practices. Accomplish this by:
- Require medical professionals in hospitals and long-term care facilities to receive training on working with older adults and people with disabilities, with particular attention to intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Increase partnerships, coordination, and communication between NYSOFA and OPWDD provider representatives to improve non-medical service delivery.
MPA Council Commentary
Component 1 of this proposal is categorized as long-term. Additional training may require regulatory changes and engagement with the medical education community. Component 2 of this proposal is categorized as near-term. Proposed first steps for implementation could include initiating coordination between NYSOFA and OPWDD. Proposed metrics for evaluating implementation success could include improvements in the number of eligible individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities served by NYSOFA’s successful non-medical services. Additional metrics for success could include an analysis of costs and savings to the State. Any additional resources or funding allocations would be subject to the annual budget process and available resources.