The New York State Legislature held an Assembly Public Hearing on Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) on October 17, 2024. The meeting focused on addressing the challenges and needs of elderly services, particularly in light of recent funding shortfalls and staffing shortages.

The session began with discussions on the financial aspects of the program. A representative highlighted the importance of collecting data from all counties regarding their service needs and funding. They noted that while there is a reported shortfall of $10 million to $30 million, this amount is relatively minor compared to the overall state budget. The conversation then shifted to the potential for reallocating federal funds to better support veterans, with a specific emphasis on the need for increased funding under the Older Americans Act. A proposal for a national funding increase of $1.7 billion was discussed, aimed at modernizing services and addressing gaps identified during the pandemic.

The hearing also addressed the current pilot program with the Veterans Home Care Agency, which aims to provide additional in-home care services to veterans. Currently, 24,000 veterans are served, with 15,000 receiving in-home care averaging 5.7 hours per week. The pilot program could potentially increase this support, allowing for better resource allocation and reduced waiting lists.

Concerns were raised about the ongoing staffing crisis affecting service delivery. Many Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) reported difficulties in hiring staff, with a noted 25% decrease in workforce post-COVID. This shortage extends to volunteers, who play a crucial role in delivering services across the state. The aging network relies heavily on volunteers, and the decline in volunteerism has been felt statewide.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the mechanisms for collecting data on unmet needs within the aging population. AAAs are required to submit annual reports detailing service waitlists and unmet needs, although these reports only provide a snapshot of the situation at a given time.

Overall, the hearing underscored the pressing need for increased funding and innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by elderly services in New York, particularly in light of the ongoing staffing and resource shortages. The next steps involve continued collaboration with federal and state partners to secure necessary funding and improve service delivery for the elderly population.