The New York State Department of Health (DOH), through its Office of Aging and Long Term Care (OALTC), is announcing the availability of $6,300,000 annually in state funding to support the Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) initiative. This initiative aims to help low-income older adults maintain independence and safety in their homes by addressing both personal health needs and environmental modifications. The funding opportunity is open to qualified organizations that can implement and manage the CAPABLE program within their communities.

CAPABLE is an evidence-based program developed by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. It integrates nursing, occupational therapy, and handyman services to improve the functionality of aging adults, reduce healthcare costs, and minimize hospitalizations and nursing home admissions. The program consists of ten in-home sessions over five months, involving a Registered Nurse (RN), an Occupational Therapist (OT), and a handy worker. These professionals collaborate with participants to identify and achieve self-determined health and functional goals, promoting autonomy and empowerment in older adults.

Eligible CAPABLE participants must be 60 years or older, have mild cognitive impairment or be cognitively intact, and struggle with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL) or two or more Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Participants must also be Medicaid-eligible or fall below 150% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) for their household size. Individuals receiving Medicaid-funded personal care or similar services are not eligible.

Applicants for this grant must meet specific organizational qualifications. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and for-profit entities that provide or coordinate aging services, such as Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs), regionally governed health systems, or Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Applicants must also be authorized to operate in New York State, and organizations based outside New York must have a brick-and-mortar presence in the state. Prequalification in the New York State Statewide Financial System (SFS) is required unless exempt.

Awardees will be expected to partner with OALTC to deliver the CAPABLE program, obtain a license from the CAPABLE National Center, and maintain program staffing, including up to three teams of RNs, OTs, and handy workers, plus a Project Coordinator for administrative oversight. Grantees must also implement quality assurance measures, comply with state monitoring and reporting requirements, and ensure adherence to CAPABLE training guidelines.

Funding for the CAPABLE program is state-appropriated and dependent on the number of eligible applicants. The grant has a contract term of up to three years, and applications are due by April 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Interested applicants should direct questions or seek further information from Amy Hegener, Bureau Director, at amy.hegener@health.ny.gov or call 518-486-6522.