Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#118)
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
This initiative, referred to as SOC, aims to provide financial aid to eligible Older Adult Centers (OAC), Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) centers, Social Adult Day Programs (SADs), and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) sites across New York to improve physical infrastructure. The program, aligned with the goals of the New York State Master Plan for Aging, and overseen and administered by NYSOFA, would provide capital assistance to ensure that facilities can be adequately maintained and updated to serve the communities they are in. This program would be modeled after California’s Bridge to Recovery initiative.
Justification
The core purpose of this grant program is to ensure our strong network of facilities, programs, and services in New York are able to continue to serve the growing aging population and improve for long-term use by allowing them to make long overdue improvements to their physical infrastructure, technology, and transportation. Supporting these programs helps combat isolation and improve the health, safety, and well-being of at-risk older adults and people with disabilities and decreases Medicaid costs by providing funding to ensure safe access to vital in-center congregate services. The necessity for this program stems from several challenges brought to light and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which emphasized the importance of programs that prevent or delay the institutionalization of vulnerable individuals while enabling them to receive necessary support in their homes. The pandemic exposed many physical infrastructure challenges these organizations face without adequate funds to address them, such as enhancing ventilation systems and providing increased transportation services.
Full Proposal
To improve the physical infrastructure of facilities, programs and services that support the aging population, the Strengthen Our Centers Grant Program would offer financial assistance to eligible providers for the following:
- Building ventilation materials such as improving existing ventilation systems or adding new one.
- Vehicle modification/preservation of existing vehicles used to transport participants, including routine maintenance, repairs to wheelchair lifts, upgrades to upholstery, security fencing, sanitation kits, and surveillance equipment.
- Medical equipment such as hover lifts, medical exam tables, lift chairs, medical tables/trays, wheelchairs, walkers, and medical recliners.
- Furniture tables, medical chairs, trays, outdoor patio furniture and umbrellas, and wipeable furniture like vinyl couches and chairs.
- Technology equipment such as new computers, upgraded security, and other technological enhancements to improve infrastructure and service delivery.
- Modifying indoor spaces such as upgrading or replacing HVAC systems, installing air filter or HEPA filtration systems, upgrading ductwork, installing or replacing flooring, and upgrading bathroom fixtures to touchless options (sinks, toilets, paper towel dispensers, etc.)
- Vehicle purchase of one eligible vehicle per site for transporting participants, including ADA-compliant wheelchair-accessible passenger transportation vehicle capable of transporting more than 10 passengers (including the driver.)
- Indirect costs – costs that are not directly tied to specific project activities but support the overall operation of the facility. Allowable indirect, capped at 10% of the total direct costs requested, include facilities operation and maintenance costs (rent, internet, utilities), depreciation, and administrative expenses.
The ultimate goal is to enable these centers to provide a safe, healthy, and person-centered environment that encourages in-center participation, combats older adult isolation, and improves the overall well-being of vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Stakeholder Advisory Committee Note: This proposal is not included in the Advisory Report as it was submitted at the conclusion of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee meetings.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as long-term. The MPA recognizes the success of the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program in assisting healthcare facilities with capital investment to continue providing high quality care. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the annual budget process, as the development of a new capital grant program may require legislative action and would be subject to the availability of resources.