Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“New York City is again modeling what is needed to be an age-inclusive city, where older adults can age in place with the support of their community, paving the way for what an aging-in-place city should be in this country,” said DFTA Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez.
By Forum Staff
Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced the City will invest $58 million in the first year of his five-year Community Care Plan for older New Yorkers. The plan addresses the importance of creating a network of services that support the independence, self-reliance and wellbeing older New Yorkers need to age in their homes.
With the five-year Community Care Plan, the City Department for the Aging will add 25 additional Older Adults Centers or Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities in communities with large aging populations that are currently underserved. In addition, investment in the Community Care Plan will provide additional program staff, transportation services, and robust outreach to expand services to older New Yorkers.
“As they age, our seniors deserve to remain in their homes and the neighborhoods they know and love,” de Blasio said. “The Community Care Plan not only offers services, but also a sense of security.”
The plan will also increase existing services that allow older adults to remain in their homes with dignity and support and avoid institutionalization. It also builds upon the success and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the expansion of virtual services that has kept many older adults active and engaged while mitigating social isolation.
“New York City is again modeling what is needed to be an age-inclusive city, where older adults can age in place with the support of their community, paving the way for what an aging-in-place city should be in this country,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “The pandemic highlighted the detrimental effects that living in institutions had on both older adults and their families. This investment in Community Care will provide the continuum of services, safety net and community network that older New Yorkers need to continue living in their homes, communities and among their loved ones.”
This investment lays the groundwork for future investments needed to provide Community Care across the five boroughs. One of the first steps of the Community Care plan is the release of a Request for Proposals for OACs and NORCs. It will seek proposals that foster collaboration across community-based programs that are aligned with the Community Care five-year plan, ensure congregate and home-based services for older adults throughout the city, and expand services in currently underserved neighborhoods.
“Older adults deserve the resources, services, and support to age in place, where they can be near loved ones and in the comfort of their homes,” said City Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica). “The City’s five-year Community Care Plan is a long-needed, significant investment in our seniors, our JEWELS, who will greatly benefit from additional services, programs, and activities. This new plan will not only serve the current needs for expanded senior services, but create the blueprint for future NYC Administrations to earnestly follow. I am thrilled about this new plan and look forward to our seniors rightfully thriving in my community and throughout all communities in the entire City of New York!”
