Interview with Ed Mendez-Santiago, MSW

Department for the Aging Commissioner Outlines his Plan

Q. What do you think are the most critical issues facing the aging in NYC today?

There are a number of critical issues. Of serious concern is the lack of affordable housing for the elderly. There has not been nearly enough affordable housing developed. This problem has become even more acute because of the influx of newer immigrant groups that may have limited access to affordable housing.

The changing demographics of our population are such that there are increasing numbers of elderly. This trend will continue and having adequate and affordable housing is a must.

Q. What is your vision for the Department? What initiatives do you intend to focus on?

I want to make the Department much more visible and to develop as meaningful a presence as possible for the 1.25 million older New Yorkers. My goal is that the Department for the Aging serve as an advocate for older people,an educational center, and a catalyst for improving services.

Many seniors and families are eligible for numerous benefits, but too often they are unaware of them. We have established a central information hotline: 212 442-1000. This hotline, operating in multiple languages, provides valuable information and assistance to seniors.

The Department is also seeking to promote services and gain greater visibility through utilizing media. We will have our own cable channel, which will serve as an ongoing forum for education and information. Our website needs to be improved, both in terms of content as well as more user-friendly.

Cultural competence is key. Seniors represent a very diverse group and cultural differences can result in different help-seeking patterns. We have to make sure that services are accessible to all communities and that we can provide services in all the languages that are spoken in New York City.

Q. How will the budget cuts affect programs and services?

The budget is a major challenge. We must help the City in regard to the huge deficit that we are facing. Within this context, we are developing a plan that tries to minimize any negative impact to the consumer. Our first mandate is that we will not cut services to the frail, homebound elderly. Because they are most vulnerable, we will work to ensure that they are protected from budget cuts. Although widely and erroneously reported, we will not make any cuts to the Meals on Wheels program.

Although any budget cut is painful and creates concern, we are developing a plan to consolidate services rather than eliminate programs. The intent here is to minimize the deleterious affects of the cuts on the consumer.

Q. How have the elderly been affected by 9/11?

The older population has been impacted by 9/11 in many ways, especially with respect to their emotional well-being. The elderly are at heightened risk for anxiety and depression because many of them are isolated and can experience intense vulnerability. In addition, many older people have experienced prior trauma, living through wars or other devastation. This can exacerbate the response to an already horrific event. In the wake of September 11th, it is important that our Department be prepared with an aftercare plan that ensures the well-being of seniors and that they are not forgotten in the ensuing chaos following the attack.

Q. How does being a social worker inform your perspective as Commissioner?

The training and values inherent in the social work profession guide me on a daily basis, both as Commissioner but also in my previous employment in social services. My approach to the challenge of the budget cuts is driven by an awareness and sensitivity that is key to social work. As a social worker, I am very concerned about the future of services to the elderly. We are facing tremendous growth as our population ages and we need more social workers in the field of gerontology. We also have a tremendous need for more Spanish-speaking social workers. I am very interested in working with the schools of social work to promote opportunities for professional training. The Administration for Children's Services has been very creative in facilitating master level training for pre-professional staff and I intend to stimulate programs that will do the same for social work with the aging.