The Empire State Association of Assisted Living Friday presented an award of appreciation to Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, member of the Assembly Committee on Aging, for his leadership and unwavering support of New York’s senior citizens and those who care for them.
The recognition coincided with the national observance of Assisted Living Week, Sunday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept. 16. The observance honors the individuals served, as well as the individuals who serve, in assisted living and residential care communities across the nation with special activities and events.
“Since elected in 2011, Assemblyman Brindisi has been a staunch advocate for New York’s seniors,” said Lisa Newcomb, executive director of ESAAL. “He has inspired us with his command of the issues facing the assisted living provider network and his genuine commitment to helping our elderly. We are grateful for Assemblyman Brindisi’s efforts and look forward to working with him in the future.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” said Brindisi. “With New York poised to experience an Age Wave in the coming years, we need additional quality, affordable long-term care options for our seniors today more than ever.”
In a recent effort to aid low-income seniors, Assemblyman Brindisi sponsored a measure to increase New York’s Supplemental Security Income rate. Adult care facilities, commonly known as adult homes, enriched housing programs, or assisted living residences provide a critical service for our elderly population such as housing, food, assistance with their personal care needs, and medication monitoring. For the low-income population, SSI pays for all of these services.
Regrettably, while the federal portion of the SSI rate has increased incrementally over the years, the state’s contribution has remained frozen since 2007. And without an increase in a decade, ACFs can no longer make ends meet and are closing their doors at an alarming pace – forcing many low-income seniors, unable to live on their own, out of their homes and in some cases into costly nursing homes.
The measure A.6715B/S.6732 (Brindisi/Serino), received overwhelming support in the state Assembly and Senate and passed in both houses. It will soon be transmitted to the Governor for consideration.
“Investing today in the health and safety of our senior citizens is not only the right thing to do; it’s fiscally responsible and economically smart,” said Brindisi. “The assisted living community has been hit hard by rising costs, particularly with wages, health care costs for staff, worker’s compensation rates, and the price of food and other necessities. Residences that are home to seniors supported by SSI can no longer sustain these operating losses.”
The state Assembly will be holding two hearings on this issue. The first was Tues., Sept. 19, in New York City. The second will be Thursday, Sept. 28, in Syracuse. The meeting notice can be found at bit.ly/2wGxtqT.
Oneida County is home to approximately 170 seniors who depend on SSI. For more information, please visit ESAAL at http://www.esaal.org and follow on twitter @essalNYS . For high resolution images, please emaildfasser@corningplace.com.