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Covid-19 Facilities News Resolution

Resolution: Change 1115 Waiver Renewal

Download Dignity Alliance’s comments on the renewal of the Commonwealth’s 1115 Renewal: 1115 Waiver Renewal DAM.docx. Comments regarding the Renewal of the 1115 Waiver Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, a grass-roots coalition of aging and disability service and advocacy organizations and supporters, is dedicated to securing fundamental changes in the provision of long-term services, support, and care.  […]

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Advocacy News

Harvard Webinar on FERNALD’S LEGACY

ENSURING WE NEVER FORGET DISABILITY RIGHTS HISTORY Wednesday March 10 noon – 1:30. Panelists: Alex Green, Reggie Clark, Woody Gaw and Donna Jay. Sponsored by Harvard Law School Project on Disability. REGISTER HERE ASL interpretation provided. In 2020’s waning months, activists rallied to oppose the decision of the City of Waltham, MA to approve using […]

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Covid-19 News

Joint Committee on Covid-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management Hearing Feb. 25 at 11:00 a.m.

The Joint Committee on Covid-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management will hold its first in a series of oversight hearings on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan on Thursday, February 25, 2021. The hearing will be held by the newly created Joint Committee and will seek testimony from the Baker Administration on the state’s COVID […]

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Covid-19 Resolution

Resolution: Urging the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to Correct the Social Security COVID Cut – December 2020

Whereas, Older Adults and People with Disabilities in Massachusetts and all Americans age fifty or overs are already on edge about their financial and retirement security: The one-two punch of the pandemic and the economic crisis puts millions of people in our community in danger; and Whereas, Social Security is the largest source of retirement […]

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Covid-19 Facilities Testimony

Testimony: Hearing on Understanding the Tragedy

The hearing was held on October 13. For more information, including video testimony, visit: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/3580. Paul Lanzikos can be seen and heard around the 30 minute mark in the first video. Unfortunately, closed captions are not included. From State Senator Becca Rausch: “As the Senate Vice-Chair of the Elder Affairs Committee, on Tuesday I participated […]

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Facilities Resolution

Resolution: Single-Occupancy Rooms

We urge the immediate creation of an initiative to demonstrate the efficacy of nursing facilities operating primarily with single-occupancy rooms. This addresses consumer demand and expectations for privacy, dignity, and choice as well as optimizes infection control protocols. While Governor Baker’s proposal to eliminate three and four bedded rooms is a positive step, we strongly […]

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Covid-19 Facilities Resolution Worker Support

Resolution: Determine Why and How Residents and Workers Incurred the Worst Impact of Covid-19

We call for further legislative inquiry to determine why and how residents and workers disproportionately incurred the worst impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and to identify and develop strategies, policies, and procedures to address any resurgence of Covid-19 or the spread of influenza and other infectious diseases in nursing homes and other congregate living settings.

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Covid-19 Resolution Worker Support

Resolution: Universal Availability of Frontline Worker Supports

We strongly advocate appropriations to ensure the universal availability of necessary supports, including, but not limited to, sufficient and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and of livable wages and benefits for frontline workers confronting the current coronavirus outbreak as well as anticipating future needs.

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Home and Community Based Resolution

Resolution: Expand Availability of Home and Community Services

An immediate objective is the expansion of the ability of older adults and persons with disabilities to receive comprehensive services, support, and care in their own homes or other locations in the community of their choice. This can occur through changes to Medicaid waiver programs, enhancement of eligibility rules and the scope of benefits in […]

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Facilities Testimony

Testimony: Applications for Determination of Need from Long-Term Care Facilities

Testimony to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Determination of Need Program relative to its Memorandum on Applications for Determination of Need from Long Term Care Facilities dated October 6, 2020.  This response is being presented on behalf of the members of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts. Download the written testimony: DignityAllianceDPHDON.docx. The Need for Skilled Nursing […]