November 18, 2020
|
|
NEW YORK STATE AWARDED 2020 PACESETTER PRIZE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORTSState recognized by The SCAN Foundation for policies and practices that advance supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers |
|
“We thank The SCAN Foundation for honoring New York State with a Pacesetter Prize for our comprehensive and collaborative efforts to support and empower family caregivers,” said NYSOFA Acting Director Greg Olsen. “Caregivers make a profound difference in the lives of those they care for and are integral to helping loved ones remain at home. The COVID-19 pandemic and the danger it presents to older adults and those with underlying health conditions has put even more stress on caregivers, and now more than ever, they need access to resources that help them support their loved ones as well as allow them to focus on their own wellbeing.” Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s leadership, investments in supports and services for caregivers have been unprecedented. Governor Cuomo’s vision to advance a Health Across All Policies approach and embed healthy aging into all aspects of government work supports the critical role of caregivers. Through the Governor’s efforts, in 2017, New York State was designated the first age-friendly state in the nation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and AARP. In 2018, the Governor launched a Long Term Care Planning Project (LTCPP) to map out a 10-year plan to meet the emerging and diverse needs of New York’s aging population, and issued Executive Order #190, which incorporates age-friendly concepts and healthy aging into government planning and procurement. These efforts will have an ongoing positive impact on caregivers for all ages and populations. In addition:
The AARP LTSS State Scorecard finds national and state support for long-term services and supports (LTSS) is trending in the right direction overall, but more needs to be done, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2030, 20 percent of the nation’s population will be age 65 or older, and more than 70 percent of Americans who reach age 65 will require a high level of assistance for a period of time with LTSS, such as bathing, eating, dressing, and transportation, among other routine activities. These services are costly, running up to $100,000 a year for nursing home care and $59,000 annually for a home health aide, whose services can be difficult to access depending on where you live. The Scorecard and The SCAN Foundation’s data analysis paint a picture of LTSS system performance prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has drawn attention to why strong LTSS systems are needed in every state. “The Pacesetter Prize was created in recognition of states ‘setting the pace’ for building a high-performing system of care for people who need long-term services and supports,” said Bruce Chernof, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “Winning states have made a fundamental commitment at every level of government to build infrastructure that supports people as they age. These states are leading the way and encouraging other states to consider opportunities for improvement.” To learn more about The SCAN Foundation and Pacesetter Prize, visit www.thescanfoundation.org/recognizing-excellence/pacesetter-prize.
New York is nationally recognized for being the first age-friendly state in the nation. Using the state’s Prevention Agenda as the overarching framework, in 2017, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched a Health Across All Policies approach, where public and private partners work together to positively impact population health by marrying health care, preventive health, and community design, in concert with addressing social determinants of health, to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, young and old. Stay connected—download the NYSOFA mobile app for iOS or Android; visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter and NYSAging on Instagram; or visit aging.ny.gov. About The SCAN Foundation |
|
###
|