State Data Reflects Especially Long Wait Lists in Upstate Rural Counties for In-home Services
LAKE PLACID—As New York fails to adequately fund basic home services for older adults, rural family caregivers are stressed, cutting work hours or even leaving jobs because they do not have enough help, according to an AARP New York survey released recently.
The survey of registered voters 40 and older in New York’s rural areas mirrors findings of AARP New York’s other caregiving surveys. More than 70 percent of rural caregivers reported being stressed. Of the 70 percent who work, 62 percent have adjusted their schedules, 19 percent dropped to part-time and 13 percent left jobs to help an older loved one at home.
Nearly all have paid for transportation, home modifications and other expenses. Most (62 percent) want more financial help from the state and nearly 90 percent said New York does not offer enough help or they are not sure, and 90 percent don’t have faith in nursing homes.
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