By Richard T. Moore This commentary was posted on the “Members’ Forum” of the American Geriatric Society on January 25, 2026. Not long ago, I watched a CNA gently turn an older resident to adjust her pillows. As her body shifted, a deep pressure ulcer came into view – the kind of wound that never […]
Category: Long Term Services and Support
By Richard T. Moore, January 19, 2026 Executive Summary Massachusetts cannot meaningfully reduce acute care costs without confronting the systemic failures in long‑term care that drive avoidable hospitalizations, emergency department congestion, delayed discharges, and preventable complications. Chronic understaffing, inadequate clinical oversight, opaque ownership structures, and insufficient investment in public health and aging services create a […]
New Nursing Home Disclosure Requirements per Chapter 343 of the Acts of 2024 (pdf) January 2026 MassHealth’s new Disclosure Form for nursing homes is a comprehensive reporting document designed to increase transparency regarding the ownership, management, and financial structure of long-term care facilities. Based on regulatory updates and industry guidance from the Massachusetts Senior Care […]
The business of caring for older Americans is in a deepening crisis *Washington PostDecember 7, 2025By Shannon Najmabadi Workforce Crisis and Economic Pressures Impact of Federal Policy and Funding The Role of Immigration Provider Closures and Access Issues Impact on Families: The number of family caregivers has jumped 45% in the last decade to 63 […]
Australia’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs updated its Aged Care Act and has issued new supporting information. There may be some ideas we could glean and put to use in Massachusetts. Summary of The Aged Care Act 2024 from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs The Aged Care Act 2024, effective from 1 November 2025, introduces a rights-based […]
Massachusetts is on a collision course with a predictable long-term care crisis, and we are flying blind. DignityMA offers a path forward for MA officials and legislators. Download Massachusetts at a Crossroads Report (pdf). Executive Summary: Facing a Predictable Crisis Massachusetts is on a collision course with a predictable long-term care crisis, and we are […]
What Donald Trump’s Medicaid cuts mean for caregivers NPR 1A (podcast), September 30, 2025 Looking out for a family member who’s aging or disabled can take a huge toll on caregivers. And the burden just got heavier thanks to President Donald Trump’s cuts to Medicaid — the single largest source of funding for long-term care […]
By James A. Lomastro, PhDJames Lomastro is Chair of DignityMA’s Facilities Workgroup and a member of the Coordinating Committee. The senior housing and care industry is trying to reinvent itself. Leaders are moving away from “end-stage living” language and pushing “next-stage living” instead — a more aspirational model centered on engagement, autonomy, and health span. […]
Editor’s note: This statement is the personal expression of the author. It does not necessarily reflect the position of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts or any other DignityMA participant. DignityMA is a non-partisan organization and welcomes statements from all parties who support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. About the Author: Richard T. Moore of Uxbridge […]
MGL Chapter 197 of 2024 (also known as the Long Term Care Act) established a number of commissions and task forces. The final reports from several of them have recently been released which are listed below along with commentary by DignityMA participants. Long Term Care Task Force Final Report (pdf) Massachusetts General Law Chapter 197 […]