Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#17)
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
Support different housing models that provide a range of services. This proposal includes recommendations to create a 5-year Resident Assistant demonstration project, expand the Neighborhood/Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (N/NORC) program and senior housing with services model, expand housing models that benefit people with mental health and substance use disorders and reduce social isolation, and allow for operators of FTHA to apply for special licenses to perform specific duties.
Justification
The N/NORC model is an example of one of many extremely cost- effective (average cost is $423 per participant) senior housing models that include services allowing older adults to age successfully in their homes. These types of community housing models provide older adults with residential options that may include invaluable services and public benefits such as Medicaid, transportation, wellness programs and social engagement. Expanding the following programs and models, Resident Assistant, N/NORC program, Senior Housing with Services model, and other housing models that can reduce loneliness and social isolation, will allow older adults to successfully age in their preferred setting.
Full Proposal
Support different housing models that provide a range of services:
- Create a five-year state funded demonstration project to support a Resident Assistant to exist in more affordable housing properties with state or city funding, where at least 75% of the population is comprised of older adults. Includes issuance of a Request for Applications (RFA) by NYSOFA for the five (5) year demonstration project. The goal of this demonstration project is to help low-income older adult residents, 55+, including, but not limited to, those with physical, intellectual, mental disabilities and substance use disorder, age in community – and delay or prevent the need for a higher level of care – by making, at resident request, connections between residents and community programming to combat social isolation, support abilities, strengthen healthy living, and recognize resident choice.
- Expand the N/NORC program across NYS by an additional five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually; funding ($3,000,000) to support N/NORC Nursing/Health Care Professional Costs; and $250,000 to authorize and fund an independent research study regarding the outcome and effectiveness of the N/NORC programs with consideration for additional funding when the report is delivered.
- Expansion of the senior housing with services model. Senior housing with on-site services or resident assistance can provide invaluable benefits to older adults and their communities at large. For example, resident assistants or service coordinators in affordable senior housing can help older adults to remain healthy and independent and combat social isolation by: (1) providing information and referrals to resources in the community, education on Medicaid and other public benefits, and assistance with accessing these benefits and preventive programming; (2) assisting with tasks like arranging for transportation and using technology to support telehealth and social visits; and, (3) supporting wellness and social engagement by coordinating on-site programs such as clubs, health fairs, exercise classes, and celebrations (Nursing or care coordinator/manager on site when there are a sufficient number of seniors in a residence or neighborhood).
- Support the expansion of housing models that can reduce loneliness, particularly beneficial for individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders:
- Multigenerational Village model.
- Integrated Supportive Services model.
- Lifeforce In Later Years volunteer program bringing services into housing communities.
- Create housing models for older adults with mental health and substance use disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities to promote aging in place.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as long-term. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the legislative session, as the proposed RFA for a resident assistant pilot may require legislative action. The fiscal components of this proposal would need to be considered as part of the annual budget process and would be subject to the availability of resources. Encouraging more housing with services, or housing targeted at alternative populations or care models, could be implemented by including relevant provisions in any zoning changes implemented as part of proposal 15.