Q&A
Discussion on virtual programming implementation and expansion for older adults
1:01:46
·
3 min
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 are excluded from virtual programming
- The importance of balancing virtual and in-person programming is emphasized
- Discussion on the flexibility offered by hybrid programming options
Chris Banks
1:01:46
Okay.
1:01:47
Moving on, talking about the topic of virtual programming.
1:01:52
In the community care plan, NYC aging recommended enhanced and expanded virtual programming to reached those unable to get to older adult centers.
1:02:04
And out of the North Apartments for on-site programming as well as large number of other New Yorkers currently isolated and unconnected.
1:02:14
Expanded virtual programming was a critical tool to to to homebound older adults to remain connected during COVID 19.
1:02:24
Since the plan was published, what kinds of virtual programming at certain service has the department for the aging champion and what kind of programming was funded or what type of programs are funded?
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:02:37
We there is no program we exclude from virtual programming.
1:02:43
So the balance is because we know that even a virtual program gives you some sort of social connection because what we're all fighting against is social isolation.
1:02:51
Right?
1:02:52
And what we want is as much not for home delivered meals to clients, but for other clients, come into the center occasionally.
1:02:59
But we know that people can choose virtual programming because it gives you more options, and it gives it for your schedule.
1:03:07
So there is no program that we do not allow to be in a virtual program.
1:03:14
And the other thing is that it's one of the things that I constantly talk to our team about is meals are an essential piece, but a lot of people come in and do not used a meal in an older adult club or even in a naught.
1:03:28
And what they want is that other programming socialization so that so that what we want is to make sure that the there's not an overemphasis on the meal part but also on the programming part.
1:03:44
And so the note here is hybrid programming gives us more flexibility, but also gives the older adult more flexibility.
1:03:52
Okay.
Chris Banks
1:03:52
Is there a range of available virtual programming and services as expansive today as it was during the peak of the pandemic?
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:04:03
Is say it again.
1:04:04
I didn't hear
Chris Banks
1:04:05
you.
1:04:05
Is the range of available virtual programming and services as expansive today as it was during the peak of COVID?
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:04:15
That's a good question.
1:04:16
I don't know the answer to that.
1:04:17
Okay.
1:04:18
I intuitively, I'm gonna say yes.
1:04:20
But I'm not gonna give you an intuitive answer.
1:04:22
I'll give you I'll give you a number Okay.
1:04:24
To see that.
Chris Banks
1:04:25
The plan discusses virtual programming as a key strategy in the future of service.
1:04:31
Many providers have shared with us that they are being discouraged.
1:04:36
From providing virtual programming or have been instructed to stop providing these services.
1:04:43
What has been the rationale for this reversal in the of this policy?
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:04:48
So I don't know that that's an accurate statement, right, that we've prevented it.
1:04:54
What we've said is that it cannot supplant programming.
Chris Banks
1:04:59
So discouraged.
1:05:00
Not prevent.
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:05:01
So so we can't we you You can't all your program can't be virtual because that's basically what we're discouraging.
1:05:08
You have to have a hybrid.
1:05:10
You have to have a program available in in a house in person as well as virtual program.
Chris Banks
1:05:17
Has the access to virtual programming expanded a number of older adults that night charter at the department for the aging and contracted providers are regularly interacting with
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:05:30
I'll get you that.
1:05:32
My my my my my again, my my reaction would be yes, but I'll get you some some real data
Chris Banks
1:05:40
on that.
