Declare Assisted Living Week

Senate Resolution No. 5254 BY: Senator HANNON MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 9-15, 2018, as Assisted Living Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, Residents of adult care and assisted living communities contribute their wisdom, life experiences and knowledge to the active roles they hold in their communities; their past contributions continue to be a vital part of our State's rich history; and their future contributions and participation deepens the community life and activity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 9-15, 2018, as Assisted Living Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Assisted Living Week; and WHEREAS, The number of elderly and disabled New Yorkers, and Americans, is increasing; and WHEREAS, In 1995, the National Center for Assisted Living established National Assisted Living Week for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding communities to recognize the role of assisted living in caring for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities; and WHEREAS, The National Center for Assisted Living, together with its affiliate, the New York State Center for Assisted Living, is dedicated to promoting high quality, principle-driven adult care and assisted living services with an everlasting commitment to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of person-centered care; and WHEREAS, The theme of the 2018 National Assisted Living Week is "Capture the Moment" which hopes to inspire residents to realize their dreams and seize the day; simultaneously, the theme also supports reflection, as residents may look back on the pivotal moments in their lives; and WHEREAS, With the theme's word play referencing photography, residents may refer to pictures or videos from their past; the theme also aims to remind assisted living staff that often the little, everyday interactions with residents can deliver high quality, person-centered care; and WHEREAS, During this special week, assisted living communities across the country are encouraged to organize activities and events which help residents celebrate their past while enjoying the present; and WHEREAS, It takes a special person to work in the assisted living profession; often, caregivers form bonds with their residents, and come to think of them as family; and WHEREAS, Assisted Living Week is an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize those amazing individuals who give their heart and soul to their residents, as well as those seniors and individuals with disabilities who leave a lasting imprint on their caregivers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 9-15, 2018 as Assisted Living Week in the State of New York, and to encourage all citizens, both young and old, to volunteer and visit friends, family and loved ones who reside in adult care/assisted living communities, and to learn more about this vital segment in the spectrum of care and how it benefits our State; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, and the New York State Center for Assisted Living.