Funding at Stake in New York Budget for Older Adult Programs

After Calvin Rusch’s husband, Patrick, died five years ago, Rusch was devastated. 

“My whole life changed. We were best friends for 43 years, and it’s been really rough for me mentally,” the 72-year-old from Penfield said.

But then Rusch found help through Lifespan of Greater Rochester, where caseworkers enrolled him in an intervention program for depression. 

They gave him a worksheet of things to do every week, like walking or cleaning, to elevate his mood. They also checked in on him regularly to help with his loneliness and brought food. 

At one point, Rusch said, “I had only $8 in my checking account and $5 on me. I’ve been blessed to have them as part of my life.” 

The power of support

There are 11,000 older adults like Rusch waiting for such help, and AARP, Lifespan and 156 other advocacy groups are pressing Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and state lawmakers to increase funds to the New York State Office for the Aging to address the waiting lists. 

The governor proposed freezing funding levels in the next state budget, which lawmakers must act on by April 1.

“Now more than ever, home- and community-based  services are needed to allow people to live safely in their homes and away from institutions,” said Bill Ferris, AARP New York’s legislative representative. 

“If the pandemic has shown us anything, it is the need to support older adults in remaining out of institutional care. It should be a top priority of the governor and the legislature to enhance, or
at least protect, this funding,” said Ferris.

One of those programs, Senior Projects of Ravena, prepares and delivers about 4,500 meals a month throughout the Hudson River region. The assistance is often not just about food. 

“Some people, we’re the only ones they see during the day,” said Director Terri Albano. “And you get to know their routines. If they don’t answer the door, you’re concerned.” 

The organization also offers transportation for errands and to  grocery stores. “It’s a needed service, and if they ever take it away, I just can’t imagine,” she said. 

Demands for nutrition and services have skyrocketed during the pandemic. In a letter to Cuomo, the advocates said that while they recognize the constraints on the state budget, they urge him to “prioritize making this morally urgent and strategically cost-
effective investment to support older New Yorkers and all those in need.” 

Every day older adults struggling with basic needs reach out, said Ann Marie Cook, president and CEO  of Lifespan, the organization that helped Rusch. 

“We are hearing heartbreaking stories from grandparents trying to feed and assist their grandchildren. We are hearing from family caregivers desperate for some relief. We are hearing from older adults who are depressed and get no interaction,” said Cook. The COVID-19 crisis has stretched an already overextended system for aging services.  

“We’re imploring leaders to support the aging-services network so we can help older New Yorkers to remain safe and thrive in the community,” said Cook.

Act by mid-March to urge state officials to enhance home- and community-based services at action.aarp.org/NYBudget or by calling 844-586-9562.

Donna Liquori is a writer living in Albany.

For More on COVID-19 Relief

• What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus