A long journey home: Hundreds of disabled people have new homes thanks to court settlement
WGBH News
By Megan Smith
February 12, 2026
Summary:
Following a landmark 2024 settlement of a federal lawsuit against Massachusetts, at least 350 disabled individuals have successfully transitioned from nursing homes to community-based housing, with the state aiming to assist 2,400 more over the next eight years. The 2022 lawsuit argued that thousands were being left to languish in institutional settings despite being capable of living more independently with proper support. The article highlights the success story of Richard Caouette, a man with multiple disabilities who moved into a supportive group home, underscoring the shift toward greater autonomy for older adults and those with disabilities. Advocates note that this transition is also a financial victory for taxpayers, as community-based services often cost a fraction of nursing facility care—saving the state thousands of dollars per person while providing them with a higher quality of life.
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