NY S00479

Amends Elder Law by requiring the Office to develop model community programs for local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations to promote aging with dignity.

Model telephone reassurance program shall include daily calls to participating seniors at agreed times, contact with secondary parties if seniors don't answer, coordination with local law enforcement, advance consent for home access by law enforcement, and measures to reduce unnecessary law enforcement responses.

Model visiting program shall provide regular visitors and companionship to seniors lacking family and friend networks, including volunteer recruitment (including partnerships with educational institutions), volunteer screening systems, periodic monitoring of volunteers and seniors, and problem response protocols.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.