For Immediate Release
Contact: Leanne Ricchiuti, Overit for Association for Community Living, 518.222.8073
May 26, 2022
STATEMENT
Association For Community Living Announces Passage of
New Aging in Place Commission Bill
(Albany, N.Y.) – The Association for Community Living (ACL) is pleased to announce the passage of the Aging in Place Commission Bill in both houses (A10139/S9041), which establishes a temporary commission to study aging in place in mental health housing. ACL proposed the bill and garnered support from Assemblywoman Gunther and Senator Brouk, and others, for which the organization couldn’t be more thankful.
ACL Executive Director, Sebrina Barrett, first addressed the need for a commission to study the issues surrounding mental health housing residents who are getting older, while balancing multiple medical concerns, at the Joint Senate & Assembly Budget Hearing on Mental Hygiene back in February.
Barrett’s testimony, in part, described a then recent survey of their members to gather information about the growing number of residents who are aging in place. The results showed that more than 40% of residents are aged 55 and over, and they are experiencing a total of 166 different medical conditions. The most commonly reported conditions included hypertension, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, arthritis, cancer and dementia. For most of these individuals, transition to assisted living or a nursing home isn’t an option.
“We are so happy to see the swift passage of this bill through both houses,” said Barrett. “We’re glad to see our supporters in the state government, specifically Assemblywoman Gunther and Senator Brouk, recognize this need. We’re so grateful for their leadership to help get this legislation passed. As our residents get older, nursing homes won’t admit them due to severe mental illness. It is important to equip our agencies with the resources needed to safely and compassionately care for the residents they have already been serving for decades.”
More than 75% of the housing providers who responded to that survey stated that they are not equipped to assist their residents with their aging medical concerns. They need nursing staff, on-site health aids, ADA compliant space to assist with mobility, additional staff training and better pay for staff.
If signed into law by Governor Hochul, the commission 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.
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