DOH Issues Q&As for CAPABLE Model RFA

(March 25, 2025) The Department of Health (DOH) Office of Aging and Long-Term Care (OALTC) has posted Questions and Answers (Q&As) for the Request for Applications (RFA) for the Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program. Additional documents provided include an Application Attestation, Monthly Progress Report, and an Addendum to the current RFA. Members can access the grant and the recently posted documents on the Statewide Financial System (SFS) website here by looking for the title Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE).

This grant offering will fully fund the implementation and delivery of CAPABLE for up to 20 qualified organizations across four NYS regions. The intention is to include four sites in the Capital District Region, three sites in the Central NY Region, nine sites in the Metropolitan Area Region, and four sites in the Western Region. An anticipated annual award of up to $315,000 per site will be made available for up to three years beginning Aug. 1, 2025 through July 31, 2028, contingent upon the availability of State funds and approval of the Office of the State Comptroller.

The evidence-based program combines nursing, occupational therapy, and handy worker services to help older adults live independently in their home environments. Organizations delivering CAPABLE will offer 10 in-home sessions over 5 months between the participant and a CAPABLE team comprised of a Registered Nurse (RN), Occupational Therapist (OT), and handy worker. The RN and the OT receive individualized training in motivational interviewing and person-centered care. They follow a specialty-specific outline to perform assessments, provide education, and encourage interactive problem-solving skills.

The Q&As clarify that organizations not submitting a Letter of Interest may submit applications. Types of organizations DOH is seeking as applicants include those which provide or arrange services for aging individuals with a functional need for assistance or chronic health conditions. Applicants eligible to apply for funding may include, but are not limited to, Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs), regionally governed health systems, or Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Further, applicants must either be an entity licensed under Article 36 of the Public Health Law (PHL) or contracted with an entity licensed under Article 36 of the PHL to provide nursing and occupational therapy services in participants’ homes.

Key Dates

Release Date: Feb. 20, 2025
Questions Due: March 6, 2025
Questions, Answers, and Updates Posted (on or about): March 20, 2025
Applications Due: April 8, 2025 by 4 P.M.
DOH Contact Name and Address: Amy Hegener, 518-474-9844, CAPABLE@health.ny.gov

Please feel free to reach out to LeadingAge NY if you have any questions.

Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871