In her proposed executive budget for fiscal year 2026, Gov. Kathy Hochul has allocated $45 million, through the state Office for the Aging, for in-home and community-based services to meet the needs of older adults.

"This is the best budget I've ever seen for older adults. It takes a look at all those services that are needed, how much they cost annually they to provide in certain counties," said Greg Olsen, director of the state Office for the Aging.

It will benefit counties like Chautauqua, which will share a portion of the funding with other Area Agencies on Aging across the state.

"Well, my reaction was fantastic," said Dana Corwin, director of Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services.

Leaders there say hundreds of older adults have been waiting years for services like housekeeping and personal aid care, which will allow them to remain at home.

Leaders say the funding will not only help provide new services, supplies or equipment in the home, it'll also provide a competitive wage increase to attract more direct care workers who deliver those services.

State leaders say they're confident lawmakers will pass the measure as part of the overall budget, due April 1.

"We'll sail through final budget negotiations. The Legislature understands the value of these programs and services. These are their own constituents. Regardless of what side of the aisle you're on, I believe this is going to be embraced," said Olsen.

Dana, equally hopeful, encourages lawmakers to consider the cost savings by keeping older adults at home and out of a nursing home or assisted living facility.

"And if you ask any older adult in our community, I would say most of them, 99.9% of them would more than likely say i want to remain in my home. I want to remain near my family and my friends. This is my home, this is my history," said Dana.

State leaders also say older adults will benefit from the proposed middle class tax cut, inflation rebate, and the child tax credit for those raising their grandchildren.