REMARKS
Resolution for creation of a statewide public guardianship system
0:04:52
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100 sec
Council Member Hudson presents her resolution calling for the creation of a statewide public guardianship system to address current inequities and protect vulnerable New Yorkers.
- The resolution addresses the lack of a public fund to compensate guardians required under state law
- It proposes a statewide initiative of nonprofit guardians to meet the demand for services in local communities
- The system would ensure access to high-quality care for older New Yorkers, those with disabilities, and mental illnesses, regardless of their ability to pay
- Hudson argues that the initiative would benefit local economies and lead to Medicaid cost savings by preventing unnecessary institutionalizations
- She calls on Governor Hochul to take action to strengthen the guardianship system
Crystal Hudson
0:04:52
Also wanna highlight my resolution calling for the creation of a statewide public guardianship system.
0:04:57
In the most severe cases, when someone is a victim of serious exploitation, and they're unable to navigate a necessary court process due to cognitive impairments, A guardian may be appointed under state law to protect and promote the victim's interests.
0:05:10
However, no public fund currently exists to compensate guardians, which are required to be provided under article 81 of the state mental hygiene law.
0:05:18
Instead, the system relies on family caregivers and the personal wealth of those in need of a guardian to pay for their own services, neither of which reflects the experience of today's older adults who are living alone and are increasingly likely to live in poverty.
0:05:31
According to the US Department of Health And Human Services, Someone turning 65 today has a 70% chance of needing some form of long term care, including adult guardianship.
0:05:41
That is why I'm calling for a statewide initiative of nonprofit guardians, which would build the capacity of high quality non profit guardians to meet the demand for services in their local communities.
0:05:51
This initiative would fund existing nonprofit providers to increase their capacity to serve as well as community based organizations, to develop guardianship programs in underserved areas.
0:06:00
Most importantly, it would ensure that older New Yorkers, and those with disabilities and mental illnesses who need a guardian to have access to high quality care regardless of their ability to pay.
0:06:10
It would also enable judges to quickly appoint guardians.
0:06:13
It would also benefit local economies and institute significant Medicaid cost savings by preventing unnecessary institutionalizations.
0:06:21
Now is a time for Governor Hochul to take action, to strengthen our guardianship system, by instituting a public fund to compensate guardians in order to safeguard vulnerable New Yorkers in need of protective arrangements.
