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Unlocking Federal Funding to Eliminate Home Care Waitlists – DignityMA Interview with Pete Tiernan
April 11, 2026
Interviewer: Dignity DigestGuest: Peter Tiernan Note: For more details on this issue, visit DignityMA Campaign to Restore Elder Care Services….
Support Transparency in Nursing Home Sales and Closures
April 9, 2026
Issue Nursing home ownership changes and facility closures are often carried out with limited transparency and minimal opportunity for public…
DignityMA Campaign to Restore Elder Care Services
April 9, 2026
Issue Another explanation of this issue and proposal is a DignityMA Interview with Pete Tiernan: Unlocking Federal Funding to Eliminate…
2026-04-09 Spotlight: Aging with Dignity
April 9, 2026
Providing Long-Term Supports and Services at Home for Our Nation’s Elders March 2026, By Richard Frank, Sherry Glied, Jonathan Gruber,…
FY2027 BUDGET AMENDMENT JUSTIFICATION
April 9, 2026
Sent to the Joint Ways and Means on March 1, 2026 Download the FY2027 Budget Amendment Justification Recommendation (docx) or…
Study Session: Protecting SNAP Nutrition Benefits for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities
April 6, 2026
April 10, 2026 Presented by Pat Baker, Senior Economic Justice Advocate, Mass Law Reform Institute This 1 hour webinar covered…
Study Session: Using AI as an Advocacy Tool
April 6, 2026
April 1, 2026: A Tutorial in the Use of Artificial Intelligence Applications by Advocates Presented: James Lomastro, PhD, Chair ,…
2026-03-31 Spotlight: Are Nursing Homes Lying About Their Patients To Increase Profits? You Decide
March 30, 2026
Are Nursing Homes Lying About Their Patients To Increase Profits? You DecideForbes, March 27, 2026By Peter Ubel The Forbes article…
Policy: Save ECOP Services
March 25, 2026
Problem Last June, Governor Healey capped the ECOP ( Enhanced Community Options Program) at 7,322 from 9,000. Once the cap…
2026-03-23 Spotlight: Caregiver Tax Credits Overdue
March 23, 2026
Caregiver tax credits are overdue *Salem News, March 23, 2026 There is a reckoning coming. Massachusetts, like the rest of the…
2026-03-10 Spotlight: To Make Cuts, State Asks Those Affected
March 9, 2026
To make cuts, state asks those affected *Boston GlobeMarch 8, 2026, By Jason Laughlin Summary: Facing a significant fiscal cliff…
Dignity Day at the State House
March 9, 2026
March 5, 2026 Topics Implementing C. 197 of the Acts of 2024, reforming long-term care Implementing E.O. No. 642 for…
Study Session: Introduction to the Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center
February 16, 2026
Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center Long Term Care Community Connection (LTCCC)Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.Presented by Richard…
2026-02-17 Spotlight: A long journey home: Hundreds of disabled people have new homes
February 16, 2026
A long journey home: Hundreds of disabled people have new homes thanks to court settlement WGBH NewsBy Megan SmithFebruary 12,…
State ECOP Cuts
February 12, 2026
America’s Home-care Crisis: Will vulnerable elders be forced into nursing homes? Op-ed By Margaret Morganroth Gullette, February 10, 2026 in…
FY 2027 Massachusetts State Budget – Commentary from DignityMA
February 2, 2026
Why Budget Priorities Now Amplify System Fragility February 2, 2026: Commentary about the proposed FY 2027 Massachusetts State Budget (H.2)…
Does Long-Term Care in Massachusetts Need a Wellness Check?
February 2, 2026
By Richard T. Moore, February 1, 2026 A wellness check is one of the simplest tools we have to prevent…
The Wound We Keep Ignoring
January 26, 2026
By Richard T. Moore This commentary was posted on the “Members’ Forum” of the American Geriatric Society on January 25,…
When Delay Becomes Harm
January 26, 2026
January 26, 2026 How Prolonged Litigation is Keeping Nursing Home Residents in Unsafe, Crowded Rooms. The Case of River Terrace…
2026-01-19 Spotlight: Policy Brief: Why Massachusetts Must Study Long Term Care Cost Drivers to Reduce Acute Care Spending
January 20, 2026
By Richard T. Moore, January 19, 2026 Executive Summary Massachusetts cannot meaningfully reduce acute care costs without confronting the systemic…
New Nursing Home Disclosure Requirements per Chapter 343 of the Acts of 2024
January 12, 2026
New Nursing Home Disclosure Requirements per Chapter 343 of the Acts of 2024 (pdf) January 2026 MassHealth’s new Disclosure Form…
What I Wish the Governor Would Say in Her State of the Commonwealth Address — But Probably Won’t
January 12, 2026
By Richard T. Moore Every January, we gather around our screens or sit in the House chamber waiting for the…
The State of the Commonwealth as Viewed by Older Adults, People with Disabilities, and Caregivers – 2026
January 8, 2026
Introduction As we celebrate the 250th year of our national independence, older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Massachusetts…
2025-12-23 Spotlight: Record nursing home sales, deals, portend strong M&A in 2026
December 22, 2025
Record nursing home sale, ‘frenzy’ of deals portend strong M&A in 2026 McKnights Long-Term Care NewsDecember 21, 2025, By Kimberly…
2025-12-16 Spotlight: ‘Worst of the worst’: Fall River nursing home repeatedly cited
December 15, 2025
The New Bedford LightBy Grace Ferguson, November 24, 2025 ‘Worst of the worst’: Fall River nursing home repeatedly cited Based…
Spotlight 2025-12-08: The business of caring for older Americans is in a deepening crisis
December 8, 2025
The business of caring for older Americans is in a deepening crisis *Washington PostDecember 7, 2025By Shannon NajmabadiWorkforce Crisis and…
Project Report: Food Insecurity Issues Among Residents of Burlington and Considerations (2020)
December 2, 2025
Submitted by James Lamastro This report examined and assessed efforts through community stakeholders and other sources to determine how better…
2025-11-25 Spotlight: Trump Pardons Schwartz
November 24, 2025
Trump Pardons Schwartz, Former Owner of Collapsed Skyline Nursing Home Chain Skilled Nursing NewsNovember 17, 2025By Amy Stulick Pardon of…
2025-11-18 Spotlight: LTCCC Launches Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center
November 17, 2025
LTCCC Launches Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center New Guides Equip Residents & Families, LTC Ombudsmen, Legislators, and Attorneys to Use…
Study Session: Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center
November 17, 2025
Understanding and Using Nursing Home Staffing Data to Improve Care January 9, 2026 at 1 p.m. Presented by Richard J….
Study Session: Marsters v. Healey Settlement Update
November 12, 2025
November 20, 2025Presenters: Attorney Stephen Schwartz and Kathy Walker, Center for Public Representation Stephen Schwartz and Kathy Walker are…
Australia’s Aged Care Act 2024
November 6, 2025
Australia’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs updated its Aged Care Act and has issued new supporting information. There may be some ideas…
Amici Curiae filed in the matter: James M. Ryan v Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp before the Massachusetts Supreme Court
November 3, 2025
October 2025 Dignity Alliance Massachusetts is one of seven organizations who have filed the amici curiae. Summary of the matter…
DignityMA Endorses Improvements to MassPort Disability and Employee Support
October 15, 2025
October 14, 2025 Twenty Dignity Alliance Massachusetts individual and organizational participants, including those named below, endorse the following statement: To…
2025-10-13 Spotlight: Why Expanding Compassionate Release Is a Moral and Fiscal Imperative
October 13, 2025
Non Profit Quarterly, October 7, 2025By James A. Lomastro, PhDJames A. Lomastro, PhD, is a member of the Coordinating Committee for…
MA at a Crossroads: DignityMA’s Vision for Long-Term Care
October 10, 2025
Massachusetts is on a collision course with a predictable long-term care crisis, and we are flying blind. DignityMA offers a…
2025-10-07 Spotlight: What Donald Trump’s Medicaid cuts mean for caregivers
October 6, 2025
What Donald Trump’s Medicaid cuts mean for caregivers NPR 1A (podcast), September 30, 2025 Looking out for a family member…
2025-09-23 Spotlight: Fact Sheet: Documenting Resident Concerns in Long-Term Care
September 22, 2025
Fact Sheet: Documenting Resident Concerns in Long-Term Care The Consumer Voice People move into skilled nursing facilities for a variety…
2025-09-09 Spotlight: Paternalism: A Wake-Up Call
September 8, 2025
Paternalism: A Wake-Up Call Lifeline, a publication of the National Continuing Care Residents Association, Volume 2, 2025, By Charles F….
2025-09-09 Spotlight: Nursing home care turmoil: quick profits and quality concerns
September 8, 2025
Editor’s note At the request of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, a public hearing has been scheduled on the proposed change of…
2025-09-02 Spotlight: Pivot or Posturing? What the Senior Care Industry’s “Next-Stage Living” Narrative Means for Advocates
September 1, 2025
By James A. Lomastro, PhDJames Lomastro is Chair of DignityMA’s Facilities Workgroup and a member of the Coordinating Committee. The…
2025-08-26 Spotlight: A Commonwealth for All Ages: A Call to the Massachusetts Democratic Party
Advocacy Healthcare Home and Community Based Housing Long Term Services and Support News Spotlight state legislation
August 25, 2025
Editor’s note: This statement is the personal expression of the author. It does not necessarily reflect the position of Dignity…
2025-08-04 Spotlight: Chapter 197 Final Reports
August 5, 2025
MGL Chapter 197 of 2024 (also known as the Long Term Care Act) established a number of commissions and task…
Rest Homes
July 31, 2025
Rest Homes are another type of facility in MA. April, 2025: EOHHS updated the Rest Home Task Force Report. Jim…
2025 ADA Rally and March in Boston
July 28, 2025
From Boston Center for Independent Living: On July 23, over 1,400 people—we did a count—rallied at City Hall Plaza in…
Dignity Alliance Wants to be Cool!
July 21, 2025
Media Release Calls for Executive Action and Legislation to promote cooling for older adults and people with disabilities As another…
Spotlight: In Fall River, our promise to the elderly went up in smoke
July 21, 2025
By Richard T. Moore, Chair, DignityMA Legislative WorkgroupCommonwealth Beacon, July 19, 2025 The smell of smoke should never be the…
Fire at Gabriel House, Assisted Living Facility
July 21, 2025
Globe Reports on Assisted Living Residences Commission July 23, 2025: Boston Globe: Fall River fire prompts reconsideration of how Mass….
Elder Affairs Hearing, June 24, 2025
June 12, 2025
The Dignity Alliance MA Legislative Group has prepared testimony for the June 24 Joint Committee on Aging and Independence Hearing….
Nursing Home Owners Profit with Under-resourcing, and Under-staffing
June 2, 2025
Report from Michigan Elder Justice Initiative and The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care Public Funds into Private Pockets:…
Support the Wheelchair Repair Bill
June 2, 2025
Wheelchair Repair bills have been under consideration for several years. DignityMA has supported it for several years. Jim Lomastro of…
Older Adult Lobby Day 2025
May 29, 2025
The Great Hall in the State House was awash in a sea of blue Tuesday, May 13, 2025 when more…
AGE Committee Hearing 6/24/2025
May 29, 2025
The next AGE Committee public hearing will be on June 24th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in B-1 Sign…
2025-05-27 Spotlight: Medicaid: An American Medical Care Disgrace
May 26, 2025
Medicaid: An American Medical Care DisgraceTallgrass Economics, May 13, 2025By Dave Kingsley Everyone But the Totally Uninsured Receives Government Subsidized…
2025-05-20 Spotlight: Does Private Equity Harm Residents in Nursing Homes?
May 19, 2025
Does Private Equity Harm the Welfare of Residents in Nursing Homes?Promarket.org, May 19, 2025By Robert FieldRobert Field argues that private…
2025-05-13 Spotlight: “ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan”
May 12, 2025
“ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan” The Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence has issued a draft of a…
2025-05-13 Spotlight: Governor Signs Executive Order, Releases Updated State Plan for Supporting Older Adults in MA
May 12, 2025
On May 5, 2025, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order and released a new age-friendly state plan which will outline improved ways…
DignityMA Supports Bills for Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
May 12, 2025
Download Testimony in Support of Bills at Health Care Financing (pdf) Dignity Alliance Massachusetts appreciates the opportunity to provide testimony…
DignityMA Supports Bills for Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
May 12, 2025
Download Testimony in Support of Bills at Aging and Independence Committee (pdf) “There’s no place like home. There’s no place…
2025-05-06 Spotlight: State Health Planning to Improve Access to Care in Massachusetts: Needs and Current Tools
May 5, 2025
State Health Planning to Improve Access to Care in Massachusetts: Needs and Current ToolsBlue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts FoundationApril…
Study Session: Aging Policy Update: What We Know, What We Don’t Know, and What We Should Fear
May 1, 2025
December 5, 2025 Presenter: Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the bipartisan 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition Bob discussed the current state…
The New Legal Landscape: The Administration’s Campaign to Erase Disability Rights, Protections, and Protectors (Schwartz)
May 1, 2025
June 5, 2025 This DignityMA Study Session reviews the Trump Administration’s coordinated attack on disability rights, through the issuance of…
2025-05-02 Spotlight: PESP report reveals private equity continues to acquire and bankrupt nursing homes
May 1, 2025
New PESP report reveals private equity continues to acquire and bankrupt nursing homesPrivate Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP), April 23, 2025…
2025-05-02 Spotlight: Trump Cuts Threaten Agency Running Meals on Wheels
May 1, 2025
Trump Cuts Threaten Agency Running Meals on Wheels New York Times (free access), April 24, 2025By Reed Abelson A tiny…
2025-04-22 What DignityMA Means to Me
April 21, 2025
Five years ago, in the earliest days of the Covid pandemic, Dignity Alliance Massachusetts was established as a volunteer-driven to…
Social Security: It’s history, current issues, and advocacy options (Roosevelt)
April 14, 2025
May 22, 2025 – A DignityMA Study Session Presenter: James Roosevelt, JD, former Associate Commissioner, U.S. Social Security Administration Jim…
2025-04-15 Spotlight: Sara Kallock
April 14, 2025
Sara Kallock (1987-2024)Sara’s 38th birthday is April 15. Sara Kallock was an active DignityMA participant for the last months of…
2025-04-08 Spotlight: 2024 Double G Citations: Significant Increase in Nursing Home Noncompliance and Penalties
April 7, 2025
2024 Double G Citations: Significant Increase in Nursing Home Noncompliance and Penalties Long Term Care Community Coalition Substandard care, abuse,…
List of Determination of Need Applications
April 7, 2025
Massachusetts Department of Public HealthDetermination of Need Projects: Long Term Care Determination of Need (DON) is a regulatory process managed…
List of Nursing Home Closures Since July 2021
April 7, 2025
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Closure date listed 2025 Phillips Manor Nursing Home – February 25, 2025 2024 Highview of…
Dignity Alliance Joins Coalition for Hybrid Public Meetings with Senate President Spilka
April 3, 2025
by Richard Moore, April 1, 2025 The coalition to modernize the state’s Open Meeting Law by requiring hybrid (in-person and…
A Perfect Turmoil: Walter E. Fernald and the Struggle to Care for America’s Disabled
April 3, 2025
By Alex Green From the moment he became superintendent of the nation’s oldest public school for intellectually and developmentally disabled…
2025-04-01 Spotlight: HHS’s Transformation to Make America Healthy Again
Aging Behavioral Health Facilities Home and Community Based Long Term Services and Support News Spotlight
March 31, 2025
HHS’s Transformation to Make America Healthy Again U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 27, 2025 The restructuring…
2025-03-25 Spotlight: Private Equity in Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services
March 24, 2025
Private equity firms consolidating homes for disabled *Washington Post, March 18, 2025By Peter Whoriskey Summary:Private equity firms are increasingly acquiring…
2025-03-18 Spotlight: Nursing home funds used on designer suits, lingerie, spa service, complaint alleges
March 17, 2025
Nursing home funds used on designer suits, lingerie, spa service, complaint alleges Boston 25 News, March 6, 2025By Ted Daniel…
Highview of Northampton
March 17, 2025
We have shared reports on Highview Nursing Home in Northhampton before. While we were pleased to see the closure of…
DignityMA Letter to Sen. Warren on Dr. Oz hearing
March 17, 2025
The following letter to Senator Warren (pdf) was sent by Dignity Alliance MA on March 12, 2025. Dear Senator Warren,…
Governor Releases State’s First Comprehensive Housing Plan
March 6, 2025
February 6, 2025 The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released the initial results of Massachusetts’ first comprehensive statewide housing plan to increase…
Recruitment of Co-sponsors for the Dignity Dozen + One Bills 2025
February 27, 2025
February 25, 2025 Legislators and aids, advocates and DignityMA members attended an overview of the Dignity Dozen + 1 bills….
CMS should waive all estate recovery requirements
February 20, 2025
February 20, 2025: On behalf of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts participants, I submit these comments in support of the state’s request…
150 MA Organizations Oppose Safety Net Cuts
February 20, 2025
February 20, 2025: The following letter has been sent to the entire MA congressional delegation. Download the Opposition to Safety…
Explaining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), The Trump Administration’s Recent Actions on DEIA, and the Impact on Disabled Americans from AAPD
February 20, 2025
Thank you to the American Association of People with Disabilities for this article. Since taking office, President Trump has taken…
2024-02-28 Spotlight: What Lies Ahead For Medicaid In Budget Reconciliation?
Facilities Federal Legislation Home and Community Based Long Term Services and Support News Spotlight Worker Support
February 17, 2025
What Lies Ahead For Medicaid In Budget Reconciliation?Health AffairsBy Sara Rosenbaum and Alison BarkoffFebruary 11, 2025 President Trump recently stated,…
2024-02-11 Spotlight: Your Parents Deserve More From Their Nursing Home
February 9, 2025
Your Parents Deserve More From Their Nursing HomeNew York TimesBy Norma B. Coe and Rachel M. WernerFebruary 7, 2025 Dr….
2025-02-04 Spotlight: Redefining Neutrality: Dignity Alliance: The Evolution of Honest Brokers in Healthcare Advocacy
February 3, 2025
By James A. Lomastro, PhDJanuary 2025 The emergence of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts (DignityMA) represents a significant evolution in the concept…
Older Adults May Be Denied Access to State Home Care
January 27, 2025
April 16, 2025 : Boston Globe Update ‘I am trying my hardest to stay out of a nursing home.’ Mass….
AG Andrea Joy Campbell: 2024 Champion of Dignity and Care
January 27, 2025
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts selected Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell as its “Champion of Dignity and Care” for 2024. The award…
2025-01-28 Spotlight: Massachusetts Nursing Facilities
January 27, 2025
Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA)Nursing facilities serve an important role in the continuum of health care services…
2024-01-24 Spotlight: Nursing Home Staffing Campaign
January 23, 2025
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesJanuary 14, 2025 (updated) Summary:The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching a…
2025-01-24 Spotlight: Beyond Market Concentration: Using Social Network Analysis to Explore Complex Ownership Structures of Nursing Homes
January 23, 2025
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)January 10, 2025 KEY POINTS• A CMS rule finalized on November…
Raise Personal Needs Allowance for Nursing Home Residents
January 13, 2025
The Personal Needs Allowance for nursing home residents is just $72.80 per month—far too little to cover basic necessities like…
2025-01-14 Spotlight: Dignity in Action: From Institutional Failure to Decentralized Empowerment
January 13, 2025
Nonprofit QuarterlyBy James Lomastro, PhD, January 6, 2025Editor’s Note: James Lomastro is a member of the Dignity Alliance Massachusetts Coordinating…
2025-01-07 Spotlight: Nursing Home Fines Skyrocket After Private Equity Buyouts, Studies Find
January 6, 2025
Nurse.org, By Angelina WalkerJanuary 2, 2025The debate over private equity’s role in healthcare has intensified in recent years, with critics…
DignityMA Proposes Assisted Living Protections
December 19, 2024
The Assisted Living Workgroup, along with other organizations, have proposed Consumer Protection Regulations for Residents of Assisted Living Residences in…
2024-12-10 Spotlight: After Action Review of the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward
December 9, 2024
After Action Review of the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic,…
2024-12-10 Spotlight: CMS Issues Major Updates to Nursing Home Care Guidelines
December 9, 2024
CMS Issues Major Updates to Nursing Home Care Guidelines Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesNovember 18, 2024What’s Changing?CMS’s new 900-page…
2024-12-03 Spotlight: MA Could Better Ensure That Nursing Homes Comply With Federal Requirements for Life Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and Infection Control
December 2, 2024
U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesOffice of Inspector GeneralNovember 9, 2024Why OIG Did This Audit Nursing homes that participate…
Massachusetts Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
December 2, 2024
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is certified to investigate any issues that arise in nursing homes, rest…
2024-11-26 Spotlight: New Federal Data Show Many Understaffed Nursing Homes
November 25, 2024
As Americans Gather for Thanksgiving, New Federal Data Show Many Nursing Home Residents Endure Understaffed Facilities Long Term Care Community…
Learn about the role of Options Counselors
November 21, 2024
Presented by Tri-Valley, Center for Living & Working (CLW), and Elder Services of Worcester (ESWA) on December 6, 2024.The video…
2024-11-12 Spotlight: Quality nursing home care requires quality staff
November 11, 2024
The GazetteBy Mary TimpNovember 10, 2024 Most people don’t want to be in a nursing home. That’s especially so because…
2024-11-12 Spotlight: How to Become a Billionare in the Skilled Nursing Industry by Systematically Scamming Taxpayers
November 11, 2024
Hindenburg ResearchNovember 4, 2024 Summary:Hindenburg Research has released a scathing report alleging that PACS Group, a skilled nursing facility operator,…
2024-11-5 Spotlight: Senior Care Policy Brief: Overbilling and Killing?
November 4, 2024
Senior Care Policy Brief: Overbilling and Killing? Long Term Care Community CoalitionOctober 31, 2024 Overbilling and Killing? An Examination of…
2024-10-29 Spotlight: For the behemoth UnitedHealth, a new threat to Medicare profits
October 28, 2024
Stat NewsOctober 28, 2024By Tara Bannow and Casey Ross For the nation’s largest health insurer, the evidence of abuse was…
2024-10-22 Spotlight: 22 States Try to Block Staffing
October 21, 2024
Consumer Voice’s Statement Regarding Lawsuit Filed by Twenty States to Block Critical Staffing Protections for Nursing Home Residents National Consumer…
All about Adult Family Care
October 17, 2024
Thursday, October 24, 2024 Presenters: George Fleischner, President / CEO, Nonotuck Resource Associates Sindelle Robles, Vice President, Nonotuck Resource Associates…
American Eldercide: by Margaret Gullette
October 17, 2024
American Eldercide: How It Happened, How to Prevent It by Margaret Gullette: A book reading and discussion Scroll down to…
2024-10-15 Spotlight: Institutional Care for the Elderly: How we Justify the Unjustifiable
October 14, 2024
A Discussion of Morals and Values in Institutional Care for the Elderly: How we Justify the Unjustifiable: Part I By…
2024-10-08 Spotlight: Letter to Nursing Home Executives from Senator Warren and others
October 7, 2024
The correspondence below was sent on September 13, 2024. Read the full text with 27 footnotes. Correspondence to:Lucinda M. Baier,…
2024 State Legislative Champions of Dignity and Care Awards
September 27, 2024
In recognition and appreciation of the responsibilities and challenges of public service, Dignity Alliance has established annual awards to recognize…
2024-09-15 Spotlight: AI and longevity
September 16, 2024
MIT Age Lab Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to disrupt many established industries, disciplines and practices, and potentially create new…
DignityMA Responds to State and Fed Plans for Aging
September 16, 2024
Two Federal and One State Agency offered opportunities for the public – both individuals and organizations, such as Dignity Alliance,…
09-03-2024 Spotlight: Senator Patricia Jehlen on H5033, the long-term care reform bill
Advocacy Facilities Home and Community Based Long Term Services and Support News Spotlight state legislation Worker Support
September 2, 2024
Statement of Senator Patricia Jehlen, Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, regarding the passage of H 5033, the long-term care…
An Act to improve quality and oversight of long-term care
August 29, 2024
Governor Signs Long Term Care Legislation On September 26, Governor Maura Healey ceremonially signed milestone legislation reforming the long-term care…
08-27-2024 Spotlight: MassHealth Drops Bid To Consolidate Assessments
August 26, 2024
*State House NewsBy Sam Drysdale, August 26, 2024 Following a groundswell of advocacy from people with disabilities and local service…
2024 Legislative Candidates
August 22, 2024
To inform older adults, persons with disabilities, family members, and caregivers about legislative candidates’ positions on issues of interest, Dignity…
Independent Assessment Entity (IAE) Community Listening Session August 21
August 22, 2024
DignityMA hosted a webinar (watch below) to present information in support of the request to MassHealth to put aside the…
2024-08-20 Spotlight: Seashore Point Residents Sue Owner, Claiming Fraud and Abuse
August 19, 2024
Pointe Group Care is accused of exploiting residents and charging unreasonable fees The Provincetown IndependentBy Olivia Oldham, October 26, 2024…
2024-08-20 Spotlight: A Profit-Driven Health-Care System Is the Problem
August 19, 2024
Why not find a way to pay frontline workers more? The Provincetown IndependentBy Donna Cooper M.D., August 24, 2024Donna Cooper…
2024-08-13 Spotlight: Nursing Home Reform Languishes on Beacon Hill
August 12, 2024
*The Provincetown IndependentBy Jack Styler, August 7, 2024Despite latest failure, 3 lawmakers say long-term care legislation is not dead Massachusetts…
Why Nursing Home Residents Still Suffer Despite Tough State Laws
August 12, 2024
NYT (free access) By Jordan Rau, July 12, 2024 Jordan Rau has been writing about nursing homes for a decade….
2024-08-13 Spotlight: The Meaning of Dignity
August 5, 2024
The meaning of dignity – Reader Submissions Requested Dignity Alliance Massachusetts is publishing the 200th edition of The Dignity Digest…
2024-07-30 Spotlight: Globe Editorial on Dismal Conditions at NH
July 29, 2024
After reports of dismal conditions, nursing homes need more staff — and more oversight Boston Globe, By The Editorial Board,…
Oversight of Nursing Homes
July 25, 2024
In addition to concerns on staffing and finances at nursing homes, which has led directly to neglect of residents, DignityMA…
2024-07-23 Spotlight: Athena nursing home workers say medical bills still going unpaid
July 23, 2024
The Connecticut MirrorBy Jenna Carlesso and Dave Altimari, July 21, 2024 Athena nursing home workers say medical bills still going…
2024-07-2024 Spotlight: ‘A dog pound would be better.’ Inside one of the most-fined nursing homes in Mass.
July 15, 2024
Mass Live, By Greta Jochem, July 14, 2024 ‘A dog pound would be better.’ Inside one of the most-fined nursing…
Executive Office of Aging & Independence
July 15, 2024
January 9, 2025: Governor Healey Officially Renames Executive Office of Elder Affairs to “Executive Office of Aging & Independence” “Renaming…
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR A NATIONAL PLAN ON AGING
June 27, 2024
Report to Congress, May 2024 AGING IN THE UNITED STATES: A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORKFOR A NATIONAL PLAN ON AGING by the…
Gov Healey Files Legislation to Rename EO of Elder Affairs
June 27, 2024
The Healey-Driscoll Administration filed legislation Senate Bill 2797 to rename the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office…
2024-06-25 Spotlight: Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision
June 24, 2024
Supreme Court outlawed segregation of disabled people 25 years ago. But change has come slowly STAT, June 21, 2024By Timmy…
DignityMA Comments on Real Lives Bill
June 19, 2024
Self-Determination and Self-Directed Services Download the letter on Self-Determination and Self-Directed Services (pdf) Download the Facts Sheet from MA Alliance…
2024-06-18 Spotlight: The Beauty of Embracing Aging
June 17, 2024
The Beauty of Embracing Aging By Charles M. Blow, New York Times (free access)June 6, 2024As Evelyn Couch said to…
Consumer Voice Statement on H.J. Res. 139 –A Resolution to Block Staffing Standards in Nursing Homes
June 17, 2024
On May 10, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule implementing a minimum staffing…
Amendment #60 to Senate Bill S.2817 An Act honoring, empowering, and recognizing our service members and veterans
June 13, 2024
Please support this amendment by contacting your Senator via the Dignity Alliance MA Take Action Page. Senator Lydia Edwards moves…
2024-06-10 Spotlight: Is long-term care evolving or devolving?
June 10, 2024
Is long-term care evolving or devolving? McKnight’s Long-Term Care NewsBy John O’Connor, editorial director for McKnight’s Long-Term Care NewsJune 9,…
2024-06-10 Spotlight: AG Settles with Nursing Home Chain
June 10, 2024
AG Campbell Announces $4 Million Settlement With Nursing Home Chain For Significant Staffing And Care Failures Resulting In Resident Neglect…
Priorities at End of 2023-2024 MA Legislative Session
June 10, 2024
“So Much to Do, So Little Time” Download the 2024 End of Session Legislative Priorities (pdf) or read it all…
2024-06-04 Spotlight: Caring for your loved ones is their business, not their concern
June 3, 2024
Caring for your loved ones is their business, not their concern By John and Terri Hale, John and Terri Hale…
Bringing People Home – On Marsters for guardians, and supported decision-making personnel
May 23, 2024
May 29, 2024: A webinar explaining the Marsters v. Healey Settlement Agreement, was prepared especially for guardians, supporters in supported…
Bringing People Home – Marsters Info for attorneys, paralegals, and legal advocates
May 23, 2024
May 29, 2024: The Center for Public Representation (CPR) and Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) have prepared a webinar especially…
2024-05-21 Spotlight: Nursing Home Closures in NE: Impact on Long-term Care, Labor Markets
May 20, 2024
Federal Reserve Bank of BostonBy Riley Sullivan, May 14, 2024 Nursing Home Closures in New England: Impact on Long-term Care,…
Bringing People Home – On Marsters for NH Advocates and Workers
May 16, 2024
May 2024 You can read more about the settlement at the Marsters Overview post. Attorneys (Steven Schwartz and Kathy Walker…
2024-05-14 Spotlight: A Massachusetts disability rights warrior’s posthumous last battle against estate recovery
May 13, 2024
By Jason Laughlin*Boston Globe, May 12, 2024 In more than four decades of fighting for the rights of people with…
Public Assessor Option (formerly Independent Assessment Entity )
May 6, 2024
February 10, 2025: Dignity Alliance MA sent the attached letter to Governor Healey to raise awareness and express alarm about…
Study Session – Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH)
May 2, 2024
May 8, 2024 Presenter: Julia Garvey, Community Organizer and Legislative Advocate with Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Julia covered priority…
2024-04-30 Spotlight: America’s graying. We need to change the way we think about age.
April 29, 2024
The Harvard Gazette, By Alvin Powell. April 25, 2024 People in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s run marathons, write…
2024-04-22 Spotlight: Biden administration finalizes controversial minimum staffing mandate at nursing homes
April 22, 2024
Biden administration finalizes controversial minimum staffing mandate at nursing homes CNNApril 22, 2024By Tami LuhbyNursing Home Staffing Mandate Finalized: Balancing…
Letter to the General Services Administration
April 18, 2024
On February 28, DignityMA presented this year’s OutStanding Federal Legislator Award to Elizabeth Warren. Her State Director, Janice Rotenberg, accepted…
Bringing People Home: the Marsters Lawsuit
April 18, 2024
Bringing People Home – website by the Center for Public Representation Bringing People Home flyer (pdf) Bringing People Home October…
2024-04-16 Spotlight: Need, Access, Impact, and Opportunities: Findings From a Multi-Site Evaluation of Elder Justice Shelters in the U.S.
April 15, 2024
New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM)By Elisa Fisher, MPH, MSW; Sheaba Daniel, MPH; Mayssa Gregoire, BSMarch 2024 Need, Access, Impact,…
2024-04-09 Spotlight: Care At Risk: Upheaval in the Nursing Home Industry
April 8, 2024
Care At Risk: Upheaval in the Nursing Home Industrywww.GoodJobsFirst.org By Siobhan StandaertDecember 2023 Executive SummaryA small group of lesser-known nursing home…
DignityMA TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF H. 4138 – The Affordable Homes Act
April 4, 2024
Joint Legislative Committee on Bonding, Capital Debt and State AssetsApril 2, 2024 Download (docx) Testimony in Support of H. 4138…
2024-04-02 Spotlight: Governor Healey’s budget proposal threatens 50 years of disability rights
April 1, 2024
Governor Healey’s budget proposal threatens 50 years of disability rights *Boston Globe, March 28, 2024By Alex Green Her proposal to…
2024-04-02 Spotlight: The Wisdom of Humpty Dumpty
April 1, 2024
By Richard MooreDignityMA’s poet laureate (aka, Chair, DignityMA’s Legislative Workgroup), with an AI assist Humpty Dumpty, policy bold,Sat on a…
2024-03-19 Spotlight: How for-profit nursing home regulators can use the powers they already have to fix growing problems with poor-quality care
March 18, 2024
By Charlene Harrington, RN, PhD, University of San FranciscoThe Conversation, March 14, 2024 Governments at both state and federal levels…
2024-03-19 Spotlight: For-profit nursing homes are cutting corners on safety and draining resources with financial shenanigans − especially at midsize chains that dodge public scrutiny
March 18, 2024
By Charlene Harrington, RN, PhD, University of San Francisco, and investigative journalist Sean CampbellThe Conversation, March 14, 2024 For-profit nursing…
Study Session – Care Planning Made Simple & the New POLST Program
March 11, 2024
Wednesday, March 13, 2024Presenter: Ellen DiPaola, JD, President & CEO, Honoring Choices Massachusetts Topics covered: The new Health Care Planning…
2024-03-11 Spotlight: The ‘hidden profits’ in the nursing home industry
March 11, 2024
University of California Los AngelesBy Dr. Ashvin Gandhi and Dr. Andrew OlenskiMarch 4, 2024Summary prepared by Becker’s Hospital ReviewA recent…
Benjamin Healthcare Center Saga
Advocacy Facilities high-priority Home and Community Based Housing Long Term Services and Support News Overview
March 7, 2024
The news below, on Benjamin Healthcare Center’s announced closing, is listed most recent first. DignityMA Offers Help to Attorney Feaster…
DignityMA Globe Letters on Private Equity
March 7, 2024
Both former Senator Richard Moore and Margaret Morganroth Gullette published Letters to the Editor in the March 5 Boston Globe…
2024-03-05 Spotlight: Shedding Light on Nursing Home Industry Spending and Profits
March 4, 2024
Shedding Light on Nursing Home Industry Spending and Profits Long Term Care Community ConnectionTuesday, March 19, 2024, 1:00 p.m. On…
DignityMA meets with DPH and EOHHS
March 4, 2024
On February 2, several DignityMA members met with Secretary Kate Walsh of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services…
2024 Outstanding Federal Legislator Award
February 29, 2024
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) was named the recipient of the Dignity Alliance Federal “Outstanding Federal Legislator Award.” The presentation was …
Older Adult Lobby Day 2024
February 29, 2024
February 27 More than 500 older adults and advocates participated in the Older Adult Lobby Day in the Great Hall…
2024-02-27 Spotlight: Aging in the United States
February 26, 2024
Fact Sheet: Aging in the United States Population Reference Bureau, January 9, 2024By Mark Mather and Paola Scommegna The current…
Perspective of a Nursing Home Resident – Penny Shaw
February 22, 2024
Penny Shaw is a Dignity Alliance Massachusetts participant. She has lived in a nursing home in Massachusetts for about two…
2024-02-20 Spotlight: Owner Incentives and Performance in Healthcare: Private Equity Investment in Nursing Homes
February 19, 2024
National Bureau of Economic ResearchBy Atul Gupta, Sabrina T. Howell, Constantine Yannelis & Abhinav GuptaFebruary 2021, revised August 2023 Owner…
2024-02-06 Spotlight: Harmful Findings at Bear Mountain Nursing Facility
February 5, 2024
DLC Report Finds Harmful Lack of Proper Care for Patients at Bear Mountain Nursing Facility in Worcester Disability Law Center,…
Private Equity
January 29, 2024
The toxic effects that Private Equity investments have had on healthcare, caregiving, durable medical equipment and nursing homes is a…
2022 State Legislative Awards
January 25, 2024
On June 15, 2022, Dignity Alliance MA presented awards to state legislators who have demonstrated exceptional work on long term…
2024-01-25 Spotlight: Neal Honored by DignityMA
January 25, 2024
Neal is a former chair, and current ranking member, of the US House Committee on Ways and Means which deals…
DignityMA Supports The Affordable Homes Act
January 18, 2024
Testimony by DignityMA members Listen to Brianna Zimmerman (STAVROS) at approximately 7 hours 15 minutes, and Sandy Novack at 9…
2024-01-18 Spotlight: Scrutinize private equity’s involvement in health care
January 18, 2024
*Boston Globe, January 17, 2024By The Editorial Board Higher prices, worse outcomes don’t serve patients or providers. When Pamela Daly…
2024-01-09 Spotlight: New Way to Care for Older People in Britain
January 8, 2024
In a British Town, a New Way of Caring for Older People Is Bringing Hope New York Times (free access)By…
Study Session – Briefing on S2482: an Act Relative to Pharmaceutical Access, Costs, and Transparency
January 4, 2024
PACT Act 3.0 – Senate Bill 2492 Presenter: Senator Cindy Friedman January 17, 2024 View the Slide Presentation on S2482…
2024-01-02 Spotlight: U.S. Nursing Home Finances: Spending, Profitability and Capital Structure
December 28, 2023
This study, United States’ Nursing Home Finances: Spending, Profitability, and Capital Structure, was issued by the Long Term Care Community…
2023-12-19 Spotlight: Understaffed and neglected: How real estate investors reshaped assisted living
December 19, 2023
The Washington Post (free access), December 17, 2023By Douglas MacMillan and Christopher Rowland Surveillance video captured a 97-year-old woman’s death outside…
Share your story!
December 18, 2023
Documenting Our Disability History My name is Sandy Novack, and I have served on the Disability Policy Consortium Board of…
Study Session – Briefing on Bill H.4193: An Act to improve quality and oversight of long-term care
December 14, 2023
The December 20, 2023 study session detailed provisions of the comprehensive long-term care reform bill passed by the MA House…
2023-12-12 Spotlight: The Old New Way to Provide Cheap Housing
December 11, 2023
The New York Times (free access)December 9, 2023 By Nicholas Kristof Homelessness is an American tragedy, but it’s not hopeless….
Study Session: A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Iezzoni
November 30, 2023
Presenter: Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, Board Member, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors, representing the disability community. She is a…
Study Session: Disability Law Center
November 30, 2023
How Protection and Advocacy under Federal Authority Impacts Litigation, Oversight and Systemic Work The December 13, 2023 study session covered…
2023-11-28 Spotlight: Paralysis and Positioning
November 27, 2023
By Penny ShawNovember 21, 2023 I have Guillain-Barre syndrome – a neuromuscular disorder – in my case with quadriparesis:…
Assisted Living
November 27, 2023
Assisted Living has become a popular option for older adults. These facilities are not Nursing Homes, have few requirements and…
2023-11-21 Spotlight: What Long-Term Care Looks Like Around the World
November 20, 2023
New York Times (free access), November 14, 2023By Jordan Rau Around the world, wealthy countries are struggling to afford long-term…
Fire Thru Dry Grass
November 13, 2023
2025-01-14: The importance of Fire Thru Dry Grass “FIRE THROUGH DRY GRASS shines a light on the intersectionality of racism,…
2023-11-07 Spotlight: Retired Pilot Went to Hospital
November 6, 2023
DignityMA editor’s note: While this report covers a guardianship situation in Florida, there are similar occurrences throughout the nation including…
2023-11-07 Spotlight: ‘Aging is a disease’
November 6, 2023
DignityMA editor’s note: This is a provocative article about aging and longevity. The Post has received over 800 comments online….
2023-10-31 Spotlight: Help people with disabilities live in the community
October 30, 2023
*The Boston Globe, By The Editorial Board, October 27, 2023 (updated) Unnecessary segregation in nursing homes ‘has been linked to…
2023-20-24 Spotlight: Elderly and Imprisoned
October 23, 2023
Elderly and Imprisoned: ‘I Don’t Count It as Living, Only Existing.’ New York Times (free access), October 21, 2023, Text…
2023-10-24 Spotlight: REIT Nursing Homes Staffing
October 23, 2023
Only 6% of REIT Nursing Home Assets Meet Proposed Federal Staffing Mandate Skilled Nursing News, October 20, 2023, By Amy…
2023-10-03 Spotlight: A State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Adults, People with Physical Disabilities, and Family Caregivers
October 2, 2023
AARP’s Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard 2023 EditionSeptember 2023By Susan Reinhard, Ari Houser, Carrie Amero, Paul Lingamfelter The 2023…
Study Session: Using Class Actions to Promote System Change
September 14, 2023
Steven Schwartz, Legal Director, Center for Public Representation, was the featured guest for a DignityMA Study Session on September 22,…
Study Session: ReFraming Aging
September 14, 2023
November 8, 2023 This interactive webinar covered how ageism harms us all, how to counter ageism, and how to be…
Study Session: PACE Program and More
September 14, 2023
The Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is an evidence-based care model for older adults who meet…
Study Session: The Future of Nursing Homes: Navigator Homes
September 14, 2023
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Embracing the core values in the disruptive concept for nursing home design, the “Green House” model,…
Nursing Home Staffing
September 14, 2023
Nursing Home Staffing has been an issue for some time. Insufficient staffing results in a poor quality of life for…
2023-09-11 Spotlight: HHS Proposes Minimum Staffing Standards to Enhance Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes
September 11, 2023
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesSeptember 1, 2023Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers…
Study Session: Secy. Edward Augustus
August 31, 2023
Secretary Edward Augustus, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities September 13, 2023 https://vimeo.com/865142954?share=copy Secretary Augustus has served as Chief…
2023-08-21 Spotlight: Graying of Massachusetts prisons cries out for a dose of compassion
August 28, 2023
*The Boston Globe, By The Editorial Board, August 27, 2023 (updated) That starts with increased use of medical parole for…
2023-08-21 Spotlight: How Nursing Homes Failed to Protect Residents from Covid
August 21, 2023
By Paula Span, New York Times (free access), August 19, 2023The first terrifying wave of Covid-19 caused 60,000 deaths among…
DignityMA Letter Regarding Mass General Brigham’s Skilled Nursing Facility Collaborative
July 31, 2023
To: Anne Klibanski, MD, President and CEO, Mass General Brigham Dear Dr. Klibanski, Dignity Alliance Massachusetts is a statewide, non-profit…
DignityMA Testimony for Public Meeting Access
July 27, 2023
On July 26, 2023, the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disability Act, Dignity Alliance MA submitted…
2023-07-24 Spotlight: It’s Time to Bring Back Asylums
July 24, 2023
Editor’s note: This is a provocative essay. It includes a reference to the Worcester (MA) Recovery Center, a facility for…
2023-07-17 Spotlight: What’s Hot? Older Adults!
July 17, 2023
Opinion by Richard T. Moore, former Massachusetts State Senator and Chair Dignity Alliance Massachusetts Legislative Workgroup, July 17, 2023FYI: Dignity…
Study Session: Older American Act Programs and New Rulemaking
July 13, 2023
The U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking input on proposed updates to the regulations for its Older Americans…
Increase the rate of payment for PCA’s to at least $25 per hour
June 27, 2023
June 19, 2023 Dignity Alliance MA supports increasing the payment for PCA’s to at least $25 per hour. 45 individuals…
Study Session: State Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi
June 26, 2023
Study Session with State Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi Thursday, June 29, 2023, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Director of…
2023-05-29 Spotlight: A Woman of Valor: Arlene Germain
May 29, 2023
A Woman of Valor: Arlene Germain Disability Issues, Spring 2023 Vol.43 No. 2 By Sandy Alissa Novack I recently had…
2023-05-22 Spotlight: Senate Report – Nursing Homes Severely Understaffed
May 22, 2023
Senate Special Committee on Aging Report: Nursing Home Survey Agencies are Severely Understaffed As reported by The Consumer Voice, May…
2023-05-08 CMS to Leverage Nursing Home Ownership Data
May 8, 2023
CMS eager to leverage new nursing home ownership data, leader confirms McKnight’s Long Term Care, April 26, 2023 By Kimberly…
2023-05-01 Spotlight: Comm. v. Clinton – MA Supreme Court re: Holyoke Soldiers’ Home
May 1, 2023
SJC reinstates criminal charges against managers of Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, where 76 died early in pandemicBoston Globe, April 27, 2023By…
2023-04-24 Spotlight: Historic Exec Actions to Improve Care
April 24, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Most Sweeping Set of Executive Actions to Improve Care in History Scroll down to see the reactions…
2023-04-17 Spotlight: What Happened to America? We asked 12 People in Their 70s and 80s
April 17, 2023
What Happened to America? We Asked 12 People in Their 70s and 80s. New York Times (free access), April 16,…
2023-04-10 Spotlight: Assisted-living homes are rejecting Medicaid and evicting seniors
April 10, 2023
Assisted-living homes are rejecting Medicaid and evicting seniors *Washington Post, By Christopher Rowland, April 6, 2023 Some residents who drained…
2023-04-10 Spotlight: Dignity for All: Increase Scrutiny of Nursing Home Finances
April 10, 2023
National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care Materials Available from Consumer Voice Webinar Despite receiving tens of billions of dollars…
2023-04-03 Spotlight: Where Do the Billions of Dollars Go?
April 3, 2023
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, March 28, 2023 Last week, Consumer Voice released its new report, “Where…
Study Session: Nursing Homes Funnel Billions Through Companies with Little Scrutiny from Federal Government
March 31, 2023
Report, Webinar and Study Session Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, in a launch of the new DignityMA Study Sessions, hosted a state…
2023-03-27 Spotlight: Centene Corp’s Annual Financial Report Indicates That Poverty is Profitable for Investors
March 28, 2023
Courtesy of our colleagues from Tallgrass Economics (Economics, Finance & Politics of Aging) March 23, 2023, By David Kingsley The…
Disabled and Elderly Jurors Nondiscrimination Act
March 17, 2023
March 17, 2023. This legislation, sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Senator Edward Markey, has been endorsed by 21 members…
2023-03-20 Spotlight: Everyone in a nursing home deserves a single room
March 15, 2023
The government should require that owners give residents private space — or it should take over the facilities and replace…
2023-03-13 Spotlight on Nursing Home Administrator Hours
March 13, 2023
LTCCC Alert: Nursing Home Administrator Hours Down 20% Since Pandemic Long Term Care Community Coalition March 9, 2023 Editor’s note:…
2023-03-06 Spotlight on Judy Heumann
March 6, 2023
Judy Heumann, Who Led the Fight for Disability Rights, Dies at 75 New York Times (free access), March 5, 2023…
2023-02-26 Spotlight on Nursing Home Closures in Western MA
February 27, 2023
‘It’s flooding an already completely congested market.’ Nursing home closures in Western Mass. leave families and hospitals scrambling. Boston Globe,…
2023-02-20 Spotlight on Nursing Homes Owners Drained Cash While Residents Deteriorated
February 21, 2023
Nursing home owners drained cash while residents deteriorated, state filings suggest. NPR Shots, January 31, 2023 New York state records…
Updates from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
February 18, 2023
AARP Quarterly, Stakeholders Meeting, 16 February 2023 Download the Updates from EOEA (pdf). Topics include: PHCAST (Personal and Home Care…
Equity must be driving force of ongoing Mass. public health policy
February 14, 2023
Letter to the Boston Globe, February 14, 2023, by Dr. Lara Jirmanus, Carlene Pavlos and Paul Lanzikos Regarding “The White…
2023-02-13: Spotlight on For Older Americans, the Pandemic Is Not Over
February 13, 2023
For Older Americans, the Pandemic Is Not Over New York Times (free access), February 12, 2023 (updated) Seniors are increasingly…
2023-02-06: Spotlight on the Ensign Group
February 6, 2023
Tallgrass Economics Finance & Politics February 4, 2023THE ENSIGN GROUP 4TH QUARTER REPORT: MARVELOUS IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR (BUT…
Recruitment – MassHealth members who have been stuck in nursing facility for 60 days or more
January 31, 2023
Simmons v. Healey: An ADA Class Action Seeking to Compel Massachusetts to Stop the Unnecessary Institutionalization of People with Disabilities…
Recruitment – Nursing Home residents who lived with more than 2 people in a room
January 31, 2023
Seeking Current or Former Nursing Homes Residents who lived in room with more than two residents could help this care….
Healey should settle, not litigate, disability lawsuit
January 30, 2023
Avoid unnecessary institutionalization in nursing homes. January 27, 2023 by Alex Green and Bill Henning EVERY DAY, thousands of Massachusetts…
Dignity Endorsed Legislation for 2023-2024
January 24, 2023
The Dignity Dozen The Legislative Work Group has released their initial list of 13 bills supported by Dignity Alliance Massachusetts….
BU Alum Calls for a COVID Day of Remembrance in Massachusetts
January 10, 2023
Bostonia, October 31, 2022 Paul Lanzikos (Questrom’80), cofounder of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, says the occasion could have public health benefits.It’s…
Short of guardians, advocates could help patients navigate system
January 10, 2023
*Boston Globe, January 4, 2023Letter to the Editor by James Lomastro Editor’s note: James Lomastro is Chair of Dignity Alliance’s…
Require Full Disclosure and Accountability for Nursing Home Reimbursement
January 10, 2023
Center for Medicare Advocacy, January 5, 2023, by T. Edelman Editor’s note: Richard Moore is the Chair of Dignity Alliance’s…
Healey vows to address shortage of PCAs
December 28, 2022
by Henry Kuczinski Daily Hampshire Gazette, December 26, 2022 BOSTON — Governor-elect Maura Healey said she will “absolutely” work with…
How to better care for our elderly and frail
December 28, 2022
Crisis of Care for Older Adults should be a Call to Action, not a Plea for More Tax Dollars. By…
Able Age Adjustment Act included in Omnibus Spending Bill signed by President Biden
December 28, 2022
Dignity Alliance endorsed securing age extension requirements for disability benefits. The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, one of several…
Amicus Brief re: Soldiers’ Home
December 20, 2022
Read the entire Soldiers’ Home Brief (pdf). Dignity Alliance MA has signed onto this brief. IMPOUNDED CASECOMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTSSUPREME JUDICIAL…
Alarm Sounded over Nursing Home Care Gaps
December 6, 2021
December 6, 2021 – Boston Globe Letter – Alarm sounded over continual gaps in care at nursing homes Is there…
Resolution – Mandate Vax for Nursing Homes Employees
September 2, 2021
Download the full resolution Calling on Nursing Home Providers and Caregivers to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccinations to Protect All In their…
Nursing Home Industry is Heavily Taxpayer-Subsidized
July 12, 2021
Special Report from the Center for Medicare Advocacy – July 2021. Download the full report: Special-Report-SNF-Subsidies.pdf Nursing Home Industry is…
Boston Globe on Holyoke’s Soldiers Home
April 22, 2021
Read two articles from the Boston Globe. The first is by the Globe Editorial Board, Holyoke veterans deserve more than…
Richard Moore on Holyoke’s Soldier Home
April 22, 2021
Honor Our Aging Veterans, but let Holyoke’s Soldiers Home Fade Away. Honor Our Aging Veterans, but let Holyoke’s Soldiers Home…
Policy Statement on Holyoke Soldier’s Home
April 14, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts urges the Commonwealth to put aside the current proposal to construct a 235-bed, congregate care facility and,…
Goals Statement 2021
March 11, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has endorsed a set of transformative goals in March, 2021. Download Dignity Alliance Massachusetts Mission and Goals…
Testimony: Hearing on Understanding the Tragedy
February 5, 2021
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…
Baker says vaccine will be administered to those in shelters, prisons, and senior housing
January 14, 2021
By Travis Andersen Globe Staff, January 13, 2021 Governor Charlie Baker said Wednesday that Massachusetts will start administering the COVID-19…
Arlene Germain and Paul Lanzikos Interview on Covid-19
November 23, 2020
25 Investigates: Second wave of COVID-19 crashing into Mass. nursing homes November 16: Boston 25 News interviewed Dignity Alliance on…
Covid-19 Testing in Congregate Settings
November 2, 2020
Download the Letter to Governor Baker about Covid-19 Testing.docx. Covid-19 testing for older adults and persons with disabilities living in…
COVID Made Nursing Home Caregiving A Deadly Occupation; Immigrants And Minorities Bear The Brunt
August 20, 2020
WGBH, and lead journalist Chris Burrell published a two part investigative series on the devastating impact of the coronavirus on…
Dignity Alliance MA Announced!
August 20, 2020
Coalition of Disability and Senior Advocacy Organizations Forms in Response to Nursing Home Deaths Everyone deserves to live a full…