Thousands of New York Seniors Still Waiting for Care Despite Increased State Funding

While state funding for senior services has grown, thousands remain on waitlists for in-home care, meals and other essential support, a new report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli found.

Data reporting by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) also makes it hard to determine who is being left behind and where, the report said.

New York’s population of adults 60 and older is projected to reach about 5.5 million by 2030. Nearly 70% of those over 65 are expected to need some form of long-term care in their lifetime. With federal funding, like Medicaid support, shrinking, demand for state-funded services is likely to rise.

Many seniors prefer to receive care at home rather than in institutions, but as the number of older New Yorkers grows, local agencies and service pro