Seniors Count: Have You Received Your 2020 Census Group Quarters Advance Contact?
The 2020 Census – the nation's once-in-a-decade count of every American – has begun. The Census determines the allocation of federal funding among the states and their representation in Congress. New Yorkers' fair share of federal funds for essential programs and our voice in key federal policy decisions depend on an accurate census response. Senior citizens, who represent approximately 16 percent of New York State's population, are at risk of being undercounted.
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice residences play a unique role in the Census. They are classified as Group Quarters and have several options for participating in the enumeration of their residents. Facilities should have received a letter describing the Group Quarters process on or around Jan. 14th. Between Feb. 3rd and March 6, 2020, Census Bureau representatives from area census offices will be calling each group facility to explain the enumeration process, collect certain identifying information about the facility, obtain the facility's preferred enumeration method, and schedule a date and time for the Census Bureau to visit the facility to conduct the enumeration, if necessary.
LeadingAge National has provided useful information about the role of senior services providers in the 2020 Census here. More information about the Group Quarters Enumeration is available here and here.
Operators of community-based services, independent housing, and retirement communities can support enumeration efforts too. To learn about local outreach efforts and find the Complete Count Committees in your service area, click here. Organizations that would like to receive the latest information and outreach materials about the 2020 Census may become "Census Partners." Information about signing up to be a Census Partner is available here. General information about the 2020 Census is available here.
Contact: Karen Lipson, klipson@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 124