New York Celebrates Its Inaugural Assisted Living Week, September 13-19

CLIFTON PARK, NY (09/10/2009)(readMedia)-- On Sunday, September 13, Grandparents Day, the Empire State Association of Assisted Living (ESAAL) membership will help kick off New York's first-ever Assisted Living Week celebration. The group received a proclamation from Governor Paterson's office earlier this week.

"This year's theme, "Traditions of the Heart," developed by the National Center for Assisted Living, provides a special opportunity for our members to show their residents - through a multitude of events and activities - how much they are loved and cared for," said Lisa Newcomb, executive director of ESAAL.

According to Newcomb, Assisted Living Week also presents a unique occasion for all New Yorkers to consider assisted living as a long term-care option. "Today, the number of elderly Americans is dramatically increasing," said Newcomb. "Specifically, New York's population of residents age 65 and older is expected to grow by nearly half a million by 2015. Access to quality, affordable long-term care has never been more important and is a public policy issue New York needs to examine."

At roughly a third of the cost of nursing homes, New York's five hundred assisted living residences and adult care facilities provide all of the services needed by seniors who are at a point in their life where it is too difficult or unsafe to live alone. These services include help with everyday activities such as bathing or dressing, housekeeping, and assistance with taking medication.

Currently, New York has three types of licensed residences - adult homes, enriched housing programs, and assisted living residences. While resident accommodations vary among facilities, they all offer a home-like atmosphere and are dedicated to preserving the dignity and independence of residents. Some assisted living residences are licensed to provide "aging in place" programs, which allow seniors to remain in their current assisted living residence even as they begin to require more specialized care.

"I encourage those who are unfamiliar with assisted living to learn more about the services offered by calling or scheduling an appointment to visit a local New York State licensed residence," Newcomb said.

For more information about New York State Assisted Living Week, or for assistance locating a licensed residence in your area, please visit https://www.esaal.org.

***

Empire State Association of Assisted Living is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening New York State's assisted living industry and promoting the best interests of providers and residents. Founded in 1979, ESAAL is the only association that exclusively represents the assisted living industry, serving more than 240 Assisted Living Residences, Adult Homes and Enriched Housing Programs throughout New York State. These member residences are home to more than 20,000 seniors.

-30-