AARP Applauds NYS Legislature for Passing Bill to Create Long-Term Care COVID Task Force to Study Nursing Homes, More; Urges Governor to Sign

Would Help Prepare Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care System for Future Pandemics, Emergencies

ALBANY, N.Y.— AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement after the New York State Legislature today passed S598 (May/A3922 - Cruz) to create a Long-Term Care Task Force:

“New York’s long-term care system badly needs a thorough review and a roadmap to help it better prepare for future pandemics and health emergencies. AARP has been urging the creation of this task force since last April. We are gratified to see this bill pass both houses of the State Legislature, and we urge Governor Cuomo to sign it into law.

“Older New Yorkers with underlying chronic medical conditions, who live in close proximity in nursing homes, adult care facilities and assisted living residences, as well as those receiving care at home, are among those at the highest risk of death from COVID-19, and the facts bear it out; over 13,000 New York nursing home residents have died of COVID since the onset of the pandemic, and nationally, while those in nursing homes make up just 1% of the population, nursing home residents account for 40% of COVID deaths.

“What has happened in our nursing homes is nothing short of a disaster and a tragedy. And it has hit New Yorkers of color hardest. We must make sure it never happens again, and this task force is a great first step.

“AARP looks forward to working with consumers, long term care providers, and unions to seek solutions for the needs of our long term care system - which includes more support for family caregivers.

“New York State has reimagined many of the systems we depend on in light of the pandemic, such as schools and hospitals. The long-term care system deserves no less.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

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About AARP AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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