This report outlines the need and opportunity to develop effective, aging-centric, supportive housing models to help older New Yorkers age safely and with dignity in communities of their choice.
Supportive housing—permanently affordable housing paired with support services—has long been a critical part of NYC’s housing and services ecosystem and is well-suited to help older adults thrive. However, existing models are not equipped to meet New Yorkers’ evolving needs as they age, resulting in unnecessary hospitalizations, premature nursing home admissions, stigma against behavioral health conditions for those who do need nursing home care, and overreliance on crisis systems to fill in the gaps.
This resource contains key recommendations for city and state leaders to enhance supportive housing targeting older adults. Not only will these changes save lives by ensuring older adults have a safe place to live with services appropriate to their needs, but they will also yield savings in New York City and New York State budgets.