In response to the article regarding the Cuomo administration's announcement indicating that $4.4 million will be used to transform Albany's vacant Philip Livingston Magnet Academy into 103 housing units for the elderly, including 16 "supportive units for the frail elderly," the administration is right to be concerned about ensuring adequate support services for the state's growing elderly population ("Funds aid vacant school 'adaptive re-use,'" May 8).
In 2000, some 2.4 million New Yorkers were age 65 and older. In 2030, the number of New Yorkers age 65 and older is projected to be 3.9 million — a 62 percent increase. This growth, which is in part due to aging baby boomers and extended life expectancy, has already resulted in an unprecedented demand for a variety of long-term care services and housing arrangements.
In order to ensure the safety and well being of New York's elderly consumers, it is important to ensure the services and/or housing are appropriately licensed by the state.
The Empire State Association of Assisted Living has worked diligently with state policymakers to develop protections for assisted-living residents and to create a pathway to allow our seniors to age in place. To the extent that supported housing services are encouraged and subsidized, the governor should likewise ensure these operations are regulated and licensed as assisted living, if indeed they are providing or arranging for assisted living-like services.
Today, access to quality, affordable assisted living as a long-term care option has never been more important. I urge the Cuomo administration and state lawmakers to make sure proper licensing requirements are met as new supportive housing units are constructed and/or subsidized.
Lisa Newcomb
Executive director
Empire State Association
of Assisted Living
Clifton Park