AdvocacyESAAL's Legislative PrioritiesGovernor Cuomo’s Veto Leaves the Care of Thousands of Elderly New Yorkers in Question-Statement from Lisa Newcomb, Executive Director of the Empire State Association of Assisted Living INADEQUATE STATE FUNDING THREATENS THE CARE OF 12,000 NEW YORK SENIORS- Options Limited in Rochester Region for Seniors Relying on State SSI Support for Assisted Living Services 11/3/17 WESTERN NY OPTIONS LIMITED FOR SENIORS RELYING ON STATE SSI SUPPORT. Tammy McCool, administrator of the Women's Christian Association in Fredonia speaks out about the crisis. 10/24/17 ASSEMBLYMAN ANTHONY BRINDISI SPEAKS ABOUT THE NEED FOR AN SSI INCREASE-$41 A DAY IS NOT ENOUGH. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/yPxrxDal8Rs ESAAL MEMBERS TESTIFY AT CENTRAL NY LEGISLATIVE HEARING. The NYS Assembly held a hearing Thursday Sept. 28 with ACFs, detailing how assisted living providers are struggling under the rising cost of care. Read the press release and the heartfelt testimony of Lisa Solazzo, Administrator of the now closed Valehaven Home in Oswego. JIM KANE APPEARS ON CAPITOL TONIGHT. Jim Kane and show host Liz Benjamin discuss the critical need for an SSI rate increase to stem further adult home closures in NY. Watch the full interview HERE (Sept. 13, 2017) You may need to be a Time Warner/Spectrum customer to view this content. ASSEMBLYMAN ANTHONY BRINDISI RECOGNIZED DURING NATIONAL ASSISTED LIVING WEEK. The Empire State Association of Assisted Living (ESAAL) 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. Read the News Release (Sept. 18, 2017) SENATOR SUE SERINO RECOGNIZED DURING NATIONAL ASSISTED LIVING WEEK. The Empire State Association of Assisted Living recognized Senator Serino, Aging Committee Chair, with an award of appreciation for her leadership and support of NY's seniors and those who care for them. Read the News Release (Sept. 12, 2017)
ANOTHER ADULT HOME CLOSES AS SSI LEGISLATION AWAITS GOVERNOR CUOMO'S DECISION. The Valehaven Home for Adults in Oswego is the latest closure due to the state's failure to increase the SSI benefit. Read the Politico NY News Article (Aug. 25, 2017) INADEQUATE STATE FUNDING CLOSES ANOTHER HOME FOR SENIORS. Adirondack Manor Home for Adults - Valehaven in Malone, NY closed its doors Friday following more than 40 years of service. Read the News Release (Aug. 7, 2017) SSI Rate Increase Increasing costs and inadequate state reimbursement threaten care of 12,000 seniors. The current SSI rate of $41 per day was last adjusted 10 years ago. The costs to operate and care for our most vulnerable residents has skyrocketed over the years, and facilities are closing because of it. Get the Facts HERE (pdf file with graphics and talking points)
ESAAL's Jacob Reckess and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi outline the following issues on Capital Tonight in Albany NY has increased its portion of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) funding JUST ONCEin the past 25 years: VIEW HERE Assisted living is a cost-effective, community-based care option for seniors: VIEW HERE Supplemental Security Income (SSI) adult care facilities are the most cost effective option for housing and care for low income and disabled seniors. Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi speaks with ESAAL’s Jacob Reckess and Capital Tonight’s host Liz Benjamin on this important issue. VIEW HERE Capital Pressroom Radio Interview with Jim Kane and Susan Arbetter May 28, 2017 Listen to the Interview HERE CLICK HERE to see the various news coverage of the importance of an SSI Increase.updated 3/31/17 Chris Vitale Segment #1: The SSI rate has remained frozen for the past 10 years at $41 per day. According to ESAAL Board Member Chris Vitale, the SSI rate of $41 dollars per day is grossly inadequate. Listen to Chris on News WSYR Radio: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Please use Internet Explorer, it will not work in Chrome. Chris Vitale Segment #2: Since 2007 health care costs have gone up, the minimum wage has increased and food costs have outpaced inflation by 60 percent. Listen to ESAAL Board Member Chris Vitale discuss on News WSYR Radio: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Chris Vitale Segment #3: From 2005 to 2015, the number of older New Yorkers has increased by 19 percent, and that number is expected to grow. Listen to ESAAL Board Member Chris Vitale discuss the need for quality, affordable assisted living services on News WSYR Radio: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN |