Area Agencies on Aging: Part of the Solution for Long Term Care

Demand for long term services and supports is growing as New York’s elder population continues to increase. The 60+ population is expected to reach 5.3 million by the year 2030.

Dramatic changes on the horizon require action now to rebalance the long term care system and delay Medicaid eligibility. The Strategies to Rebalance Long Term Care and Delay Medicaid Eligibility (August 2011) report outlines strategies to achieve these goals, to ensure the most cost-effective options for long term care, and to provide elders with the opportunity to live in the community in the least restrictive setting. Area Agencies on Aging are part of the solution.

Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) design, fund, and coordinate programs that enhance the community support system designed to maintain senior citizens in their homes, postponing the need for more medically intensive and costly health care services. AAAs develop and enhance community programs and services so that each individual resident can move to the most integrated setting appropriate to meet his or her needs.

Area Agencies on Aging pride themselves on the ability to keep those they serve in the community. These services will become increasingly important as the population ages.

Recommendation No. 1

Establish the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) as
focal points for providing information, assistance, and community-based services.

Rationale: Demographic projections predict double-digit growth in the older population, which requires an investment in cost-effective long term care options championed by NYSOFA and provided by local AAAs. Providing the visibility and adequate funding for NYSOFA and AAAs provides New York residents with livable communities that support senior citizens, caregivers and individuals with disabilities.

Recommendation No. 2

Expand caregiver support programs and home and community-based services run by the AAAs (such as
EISEP, CSE, SNAP, and HIICAP), which help keep caregivers from being overburdened, sustain their ability to provide care longer, and delay or prevent their loved ones from entering into a nursing home.

Rationale: 80% of longterm care is provided by over 2.2 million informal caregivers, saving tax payers an estimated $25 billion annually.