For Immediate Release
Contact: Leanne Ricchiuti, Overit for Association for Community Living, 518.222.8073
November 15, 2023
STATEMENT
Association For Community Living Hopeful for Governor Hochul’s Support of Aging in Place Task Force Bill
Task Force Bill Sent to Governor’s Desk, Awaiting Signature
(Albany, N.Y.) – The Aging in Place Task Force Bill (A5119/S5178) was delivered to the Governor’s desk November 13th, and the Association for Community Living (ACL) is hopeful for the Governor’s support this year, after last year’s veto on the same matter.
This bill would establish a task force that would study aging in place in mental health housing. As community members with mental illness age, other health issues arise, and those residents deserve better care for all of their conditions, and not just mental or physical health. “Both the structure of existing mental health housing models and the state resources that support them, which are based on circumstances that existed nearly four decades ago, fall significantly short of allowing housing providers to give the care these aging residents need today,” said ACL Executive Director, Sebrina Barrett. “This task force is needed to evaluate those needs, and modernize housing models so that providers have the resources needed to serve their residents.”.
ACL has been advocating for this since last year, and garnered the support of Assemblywoman Gunther and Senator Brouk, and many others, who see the value in this legislation.
“We’re very hopeful that the Governor will see the need for this Task Force to bring together experts who can evaluate the current status of things, and devise a plan as soon as possible,” said ACL Executive Director, Sebrina Barrett. “Our residents living at our member agencies need help that we can’t fully provide as they continue to age, but neither can a nursing home or assisted living facility. We need something better soon, and we’re looking to the Governor to help provide that, through her signature, for the residents of New York.”
If signed into law by Governor Hochul, the task force will make recommendations on solutions for removing barriers to ensure residents of community-based mental health housing programs can successfully age in place while receiving adequate care.
“We look forward to the Governor’s signature and support,” said Barrett.
– 30 –