New York City Council
Committee on Aging
Sep 23, 2024
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 38 min
Summary
A hearing on NYC's Community Care Plan for older adults, launched in 2021 to expand and improve services helping seniors age in place.
Discussions focused on progress made, including new Older Adult Centers and Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), but emphasized significant concerns about potential budget cuts starting in FY2026.
Key issues addressed included:
- Housing needs
- Funding for center repairs
- Case management reform,
- Meal program expansion
- Transportation improvements.
The Council considered legislation on studying NORCs, providing workforce information to older adults, and potentially lowering service eligibility age for people with HIV.
Challenges in engaging different age groups, combating ageism in employment, and improving inter-agency coordination were also discussed.
Features testimony from the Department for the Aging and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Hudson's opening remarks on the Community Care Plan and aging services
Council Member Crystal Hudson provides an overview of the Community Care Plan for older adults in New York City, discussing its goals, funding challenges, and the importance of services for …
0:00:00
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4 min
Introduction and context for NYC Aging's Community Care Plan
Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez opens the testimony by acknowledging the City Council members and discussing NYC Aging's initiative to create certificates of appreciation for older adult centers and Naturally Occurring Retirement …
0:05:00
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112 sec
Overview and goals of the Community Care Plan
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez provides an overview of NYC Aging's Community Care Plan, developed in 2021 to address the needs of the growing older adult population in New York City. The plan …
0:06:52
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151 sec
Implementation of the Community Care Plan
The Commissioner details the initial implementation steps of the Community Care Plan, focusing on improving and expanding services for older adults. Key initiatives include rightsizing congregate services, creating model budgets, …
0:09:23
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83 sec
Development of NYC Aging Program Transportation Program
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez introduces the newly developed NYC Aging Program Transportation Program, which aims to improve mobility for older adults across the city. - The program was developed through an RFP …
0:10:47
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17 sec
Vision for an age-inclusive New York City
The Commissioner outlines NYC Aging's vision for an age-inclusive New York City, emphasizing the goal of delaying or avoiding reliance on institutional care for older adults. This vision aims to …
0:11:04
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3 min
Collaboration between partner agencies and the NYC Cabinet for Older New Yorkers
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez highlights the importance of collaboration between partner agencies in implementing the Community Care Plan. She introduces the NYC Cabinet for Older New Yorkers as a key initiative to …
0:14:20
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3 min
Challenges in caregiving and long-term care solutions
The Commissioner addresses the growing challenges in the caregiving sector for older New Yorkers and Americans in general. She emphasizes the need for better long-term care solutions and support for …
0:17:33
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3 min
Transportation and micro-mobility solutions for older adults
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez emphasizes the importance of transportation and micro-mobility solutions in enabling older adults to age in place and remain active in their communities. - Recognition of transportation as fundamental …
0:21:30
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87 sec
Funding challenges and need for increased state support
The Commissioner addresses the critical need for increased funding and support from New York State to ensure the success of the Community Care Plan and other aging services in New …
0:23:00
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134 sec
Proposed legislation and future plans
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez concludes her testimony by addressing proposed legislation and expressing gratitude for the City Council's support and partnership in implementing the Community Care Plan. - Acknowledgment of introductions related …
0:25:13
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60 sec
Implementation and structure of the Community Care Plan
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the implementation and structure of the Community Care Plan. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains the approach to developing the plan, including: - Writing RFPs that …
0:26:15
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108 sec
Stakeholder participation and progress of the Community Care Plan
Council Member Hudson inquires about stakeholder participation and the progress of the Community Care Plan. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez outlines the various meetings and collaborations involved in the plan's implementation: - Monthly …
0:28:03
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140 sec
Evolution of Community Care Plan goals and service integration
Council Member Hudson asks about changes in the Community Care Plan's goals and improvements in service integration. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez explains that the plan has evolved rather than changed: - The …
0:30:23
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151 sec
Enhancing equity and inclusion in older adult services
Council Member Hudson inquires about efforts to enhance equity and inclusion in services for diverse older adult populations. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez outlines the department's approach: - The RFP process was designed …
0:32:55
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3 min
Leveraging technology and virtual programming for older adults
Council Member Hudson asks about the use of technology and virtual programming to engage isolated older adults. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez explains the department's initiatives: - Virtual programming was expanded during and …
0:35:57
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94 sec
Expanding community care services and transportation initiatives
Council Member Hudson inquires about expanding community care services and enhancing transportation options for older adults. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez explains the department's data-driven approach and transportation initiatives: - Services are planned …
0:37:33
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8 min
Collaboration with city agencies and implementation challenges
Council Member Hudson asks about NYC Aging's collaboration with other city agencies and the challenges faced in implementing the Community Care Plan. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez outlines several initiatives and challenges: - …
0:46:12
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5 min
Interagency partnerships and future of the Community Care Plan
Council Member Hudson inquires about interagency partnerships with parks and libraries, and the future of the Community Care Plan. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez explains: - Partnerships with Parks Department to address mental …
0:51:35
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3 min
Council Member Banks addresses capital needs for older adult centers
Council Member Chris Banks discusses the capital needs of older adult centers, particularly focusing on a recent move of a center at Penn Workman Houses. He emphasizes the importance of …
0:55:09
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92 sec
Discussion on managing capital funds and new improvement models for older adult centers
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez and Council Member Banks engage in a discussion about the challenges of managing capital funds for older adult center improvements and a new model for addressing these issues. …
0:56:44
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176 sec
Clarification on responsibilities for facility maintenance in NYCHA and RAD-converted developments
Council Member Banks and Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez discuss the division of responsibilities for facility maintenance between NYCHA and the Department for the Aging, particularly in RAD-converted developments. - Clarification on which …
0:59:40
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125 sec
Discussion on virtual programming implementation and expansion for older adults
Council Member Banks and Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez discuss the implementation and expansion of virtual programming for older adults as part of the community care plan. - Commissioner explains that no programs …
1:01:46
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3 min
Request for data on virtual programming participation and impact
Council Member Banks requests specific data on virtual programming participation and its impact on older adult engagement. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez agrees to provide the requested information. - Discussion of participation numbers …
1:05:40
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110 sec
Council Member Schulmann inquires about Healthy NYC initiative and accessibility of city services for older adults
Council Member Lynn Schulmann questions Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez about how the Community Care Plan aligns with the mayor's Healthy NYC initiative and the accessibility of the city's one-stop portal for …
1:07:34
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3 min
Funding concerns for NORC programs in Council Member Zhuang's district
Council Member Susan Zhuang raises concerns about funding for NORC programs in her district. Seniors are worried about potential funding cuts and the program's ability to survive. - Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez …
1:10:50
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48 sec
Comparison between NORC programs and adult day care centers
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez explains the differences between NORC programs and adult day care centers in terms of their target populations and funding sources. - Adult day care centers are meant to …
1:11:38
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90 sec
Meals on Wheels program for diverse populations in Southern Brooklyn
Council Member Susan Zhuang inquires about the availability of culturally appropriate Meals on Wheels services for the large Asian population in her Southern Brooklyn district. - Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez confirms that …
1:13:10
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67 sec
Innovative co-living housing solution for older adults
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez introduces an innovative co-living housing concept for older adults, developed by India House's Halal program. - The model involves purchasing a home where four adults (or couples) can …
1:14:17
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143 sec
Challenges in senior housing development and SARA program wait times
Council Member Susan Zhuang expresses concerns about the long wait times for senior housing development through the SARA program and asks if there are ways to expedite the process. - …
1:16:40
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76 sec
Budget challenges and potential funding cuts for NYC Aging
Council Member Hudson inquires about NYC Aging's plans to address a significant decrease in funding starting in fiscal 2026 due to expiring federal pandemic-related funding. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez acknowledges the fiscal …
1:18:16
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7 min
Specific budget allocations for Older Adult Centers (OACs)
Council Member Hudson inquires about specific budget allocations for Older Adult Centers (OACs) and potential impacts of budget cuts. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez provides limited information due to ongoing discussions with the …
1:25:30
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102 sec
Data trends tracked by NYC Aging to ensure plan impact
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez outlines the data trends NYC Aging is tracking to ensure the Community Care Plan is impactful. These include metrics from their MMR (Mayor's Management Report) and additional indicators …
1:27:14
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69 sec
Expansion of Older Adult Centers (OACs) and Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs)
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez provides information on the expansion of Older Adult Centers (OACs) and Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) since the implementation of the Community Care Plan. - 29 new Older …
1:28:25
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57 sec
Impact of Community Care Plan on institutional care avoidance and quality of life improvements
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez discusses the impact of the Community Care Plan on institutional care avoidance and quality of life improvements for older New Yorkers. While exact numbers are not provided, the …
1:29:23
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3 min
Promotion of universal access to community services
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez explains NYC Aging's approach to promoting universal access to community services for older adults. The department aims to make services available regardless of income, ethnicity, or status. - …
1:32:42
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6 min
Outreach and marketing campaigns conducted by NYC Aging
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez discusses recent outreach and marketing campaigns conducted by NYC Aging, focusing on the 'Join Us' campaign. The discussion highlights the reach and impact of these efforts. - The …
1:39:31
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131 sec
NYC Aging website functionality for virtual programming
Council Member Hudson inquires about the NYC Aging website's functionality for virtual programming, particularly the ability to search for and filter virtual activities. - Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez confirms that the website …
1:41:42
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61 sec
Discussion of proposed legislation, including Intro 1022 on studying NORCs
Council Member Hudson and Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez discuss proposed legislation related to older adult services, particularly Intro 1022 on studying Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs). - Commissioner expresses no objection to …
1:42:46
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114 sec
Workforce programs and employment resources for older adults
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez provides a comprehensive overview of NYC Aging's workforce programs and employment resources for older adults, highlighting challenges and strategies. - Key programs include SYEP (Senior Youth Employment Program), …
1:44:42
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6 min
Feasibility of creating older adult information and service centers
Council Member Hudson inquires about the feasibility of creating dedicated older adult information and service centers, referencing a pre-considered introduction for a study on this topic. - NYC Aging currently …
1:50:55
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77 sec
Discussion of a potential 10-year plan to support aging in place
Council Member Hudson and Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez discuss the potential development of a 10-year plan to support aging in place in New York City. - Commissioner expresses no objection to the …
1:52:13
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82 sec
Testimony by Tara Klein, Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy at United Neighborhood Houses
Tara Klein from United Neighborhood Houses testified on the Community Care Plan, emphasizing its success in expanding services for older adults but highlighting concerns about future funding cuts. She stressed …
1:56:20
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169 sec
Council member questions fiscal cliff in NYC Aging's budget
Council Member Crystal Hudson asks Tara Klein to elaborate on the statement that the Adams administration is sacrificing the goals of the community care plan by not addressing the fiscal …
1:59:09
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66 sec
Testimony by Kevin Kiprovski, Director of Public Policy at LiveOn NY
Kevin Kiprovski from LiveOn NY testified about the urgent need for increased investment in services for older adults in New York City, emphasizing the importance of addressing housing issues and …
2:00:22
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3 min
Testimony by Molly Krakowski, Senior Director of Government Affairs at JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging)
Molly Krakowski from JASA presented testimony on various aspects of older adult services in New York City, focusing on Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) and proposed legislation. She emphasized the …
2:04:21
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3 min
Testimony by Adam Roberts, Representative of New York Apartment Association, on Intro 1022 and Aging in Place
Adam Roberts, representing the New York Apartment Association (Naya), testified on Intro 1022 and the challenges of aging in place in rent-stabilized housing. He highlighted the concentration of older adults …
2:09:29
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144 sec
Council member inquires about specific neighborhoods needing support for aging residents
Council Member Crystal Hudson asks the New York Apartment Association representative about specific neighborhoods or communities that would be most in need of support for aging residents. The representative identifies …
2:11:53
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64 sec
Testimony by Linda Hoffman, President of New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, on Community Care Plan and Foundation Programs
Linda Hoffman, President of New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, testified in support of the Community Care Plan and the Foundation's home sharing and respite care programs. She emphasized how …
2:13:10
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163 sec
Testimony by Po-Ling Ng, Director of Chinese-American Planning Council Open Door Senior Center
Po-Ling Ng, Director of the Chinese-American Planning Council Open Door Senior Center, testified about the urgent need for capital funding to repair their facility, particularly the broken main door. She …
2:16:02
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7 min
Testimony by Jeannine Cahill-Jackson, Citywide Director of Elder Law at Legal Aid Society
Jeannine Cahill-Jackson from the Legal Aid Society testified about the organization's work in providing eviction defense services to seniors in the Bronx and Brooklyn. She emphasized the importance of rental …
2:23:46
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3 min
Council member inquires about Adult Protective Services (APS) challenges
Council Member Crystal Hudson engages in a Q&A session about Adult Protective Services (APS) with Jeannine Cahill-Jackson from the Legal Aid Society. They discuss recent challenges in accessing APS services, …
2:27:41
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3 min
Testimony by Kahlii Thompson, Director of Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation, on NYC Aging's Community Care Plan and Funding for Older Adult Centers
Kahlii Thompson, representing Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation, testified about the critical need for continued funding for older adult centers in New York City, particularly in the Rockaway community. She …
2:31:54
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159 sec
Testimony by Darcy Connors, Executive Director of SAGEServes, on LGBTQ+ Older Adult Issues and Proposed Legislation
Darcy Connors, Executive Director of SAGEServes, testified in support of three pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of older adults in New York City, with a focus on …
2:34:45
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158 sec
