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Governor’s Council on Aging 5 Year Report – DignityMA Analysis
November 10, 2022
September 27, 2022 Download the entire pdf: DignityMA response to the 5 Year Report. Approximately five years ago, the Baker…
Alzheimer’s Association: National State Assessment on Dementia Policies – Response on Nursing Facility Care
October 17, 2022
Download the DignityMA Response on Nursing Facility Care (pdf) to the Alzheimer’s Association National State Assessment on Dementia Policies, as…
Consolidation of senior care homes is uprooting hundreds across Massachusetts
October 10, 2022
Article by Robert Weisman, Globe Staff, October 9, 2022 Dignity Alliance MA member, Paul Lanzikos, is quoted in the article….
I-Team: Advocates say nursing home crisis could be looming
October 4, 2022
Report by Cheryl Fiandaca of the CBS Boston I-Team, September 15, 2022 Dignity Alliance MA members, Arlene Germain and Paul…
Birthday cards about aging: the joke lands with some, not others
October 3, 2022
This persistent ageism is no laughing matter Response to Globe article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette, Dignity Alliance MA member. September…
Masking in Facilities
September 29, 2022
‘A hostile act’: CDC eases masking rules for hospitals and nursing homes, but they won’t apply to Mass. yet The…
COVID-19 Day of Remembrance
September 29, 2022
Plans to create day of remembrance for COVID-19 victims are languishing State and federal proposals for commemorations remain bottled up…
Ageism in Birthday Cards
September 29, 2022
Take a look at the birthday cards ageism advocates say are mean and stereotypical A national campaign presses card makers…
DignityMA Supports Veto Override to Preserve Special Needs Trusts for Seniors
September 21, 2022
9/13/22 Dignity Alliance Massachusetts strongly urges the Senate and House of Representatives to override the Governor’s poorly reasoned veto of…
DignityMA Supports Minimum Staffing Standard
September 6, 2022
6/10/22 DignityMA response to CMS Request for Information (RFI) to support National Minimum Staffing Standard. Inadequate staffing is the primary…
100 Issues – Dignity Digest Milestone
August 18, 2022
We asked our readers three questions about the notion of dignity and their involvement with Dignity Alliance. What does “dignity”…
Lieutenant Governor – Written Responses and Video Interviews
August 18, 2022
Written Responses Through the Dignity Votes 2022 initiative, Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has invited candidates for constitutional office to respond to…
Attorney General – Written Responses
August 18, 2022
Written Responses Through the Dignity Votes 2022 initiative, Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has invited candidates for constitutional office to respond to…
The Legislature’s Missed Opportunity – Failure to Reform Nursing Homes in Massachusetts
August 8, 2022
August 4, 2022 Op-Ed in CommonWealth Magazine by Senator Richard MooreDownload Senator Moore’s Op-Ed on Failure to Reform (docx) Much…
Support An Act relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities (S.2848, H.4725)
July 11, 2022
Dignity Digest Spotlight on July 8, 2022 Take Action Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has endorsed An Act relative to supported decision-making…
Support An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities (S.2567)
July 1, 2022
Dignity Digest Spotlight on July 1, 2022 Take Action Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has endorsed An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections…
State Auditor – Written Responses and Video Interviews
June 27, 2022
Written Responses Through the Dignity Votes 2022 initiative, Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has invited candidates for constitutional office to respond to…
DignityMA Outreach
June 9, 2022
Our first outreach table, at the State Democratic Convention on June 4 in Worcester, was a success. The Votes 2022…
National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality
April 7, 2022
A major, comprehensive report on nursing home care was released on April 6, 2022, by the Committee on the Quality…
Advocate to Pay to Spouses as Caregivers
March 11, 2022
S89 / H1305 An Act allowing spouses as caregivers Referred to Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities….
Advocate for Nursing Home Reform
March 11, 2022
Please contact Senator Pat Jehlen (Patricia.Jehlen@masenate.gov, (617) 722-1578) and Representative Tom Stanley (Thomas.Stanley@mahouse.gov, (617) 722-2810) of the Committee on Elder…
DignityMA Media Re: White House Proposal
March 11, 2022
DignityMA members have been busy being published in newspapers across the state, explaining our support for the White House’s Proposed…
Resolution – COVID-19 Remembrance Day
March 11, 2022
H4224 – Resolutions establishing the annual observance of COVID-19 Remembrance Day Please support H4224! Letter to Legislators DignityMA has sent…
Action Agenda from Consumer Voice
March 10, 2022
From the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care March Forth Together On February 28, 2022, the Biden Administration announced…
Endorsement S2695 – PACT: Pharmaceutical Access, Costs and Transparency
March 10, 2022
S2695 – An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency Filed by Senator Friedman, originally as S771. The Senate…
Support for White House’s Proposed Nursing Home Reforms
March 2, 2022
March 1, 2022 Dignity Alliance released a statement applauding the White House’s proposed nursing home reforms(pdf). The release highlights DignityMA…
Legislative Training for Advocates
February 24, 2022
Presented by Jessica Constantino, Massachusetts Director of Advocacy, AARP With Senator Richard T. Moore, Co-chair of the Dignity Alliance MA…
Senate Passes Pharmaceutical Access, Costs and Transparency (PACT) Act
February 22, 2022
February 2022 Bill will reduce prescription drug costs, promote transparency, and increase patient access BOSTON – Today, the Massachusetts Senate…
Social Media Workshops
February 9, 2022
Engaging Everyone: Creating Accessible, Powerful Social Media Content Part One can be viewed on YouTube and we have provided a…
S 331 / HR 1219 – ABLE Age Adjustment Act
January 24, 2022
Federal Bills S 331 and HR 1219 support the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 1 – Home and Community-Based Supports and…
S 1773 – Prescription Drug Pricing Dashboard Act
January 24, 2022
Federal Bill S1773 supports the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 3 – Home and Community-Based Supports and Services improvement and expansion…
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…
HR 598 – Quality Care for Nursing Home Residents and Workers During COVID–19 and Beyond Act
October 14, 2021
Federal Bill HR 598 supports the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 1 – Nursing Home Reform that is person-centered and respectful…
(Oppose) S 1295 – Trust Act of 2021
October 14, 2021
Federal Bill S1295 is relevant to Dignity Alliance MA Goal 3: Home and Community-Based Supports and Services improvement and expansion…
HR 2812 – Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act
October 14, 2021
HR 2812 supports: DAM Goal 1: Nursing Home Reform that is person-centered and respectful of human dignity with oversight, accountability…
The Budget Reconciliation Legislation which includes nursing home reform, HCBS funding, workforce enhancements and elder justice provisions
October 14, 2021
The nursing home provisions will promote DAM Goal 1 – Nursing Home Reform that is person-centered and respectful of human…
S2694 / HR 5169 – Nursing Home Improvement and Accountability Act of 2021
October 14, 2021
Federal Bills S 2694 and HR 5169 support the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 1 – Nursing Home Reform that is…
S 2618 – Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2021
October 14, 2021
Federal Bill S 2618 supports the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 3 – Home and Community-Based Supports and Services improvement and…
S 880 / HR 2062 – Protecting Older Americans Against Discrimination Act (POWADA)
October 14, 2021
Federal Bills S 880 and HR 2062 support the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 3 – Home and Community-Based Supports and…
S 2210 – Better Care Better Jobs Act
October 14, 2021
Federal Bill S 2210 supports the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 3 – Home and Community-Based Supports and Services improvement and…
S 2065 – Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2021
October 14, 2021
Federal Bill S 2065 supports the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 3 – Home and Community-Based Supports and Services improvement and…
HR 3733 – The Essential Caregivers Act
October 14, 2021
Federal Bill HR 3733 supports the Dignity Alliance MA Goal 1 – Nursing Home Reform that is person-centered and respectful…
S 4986 / HR 7499 Social Security Covid-19 Correction and Equity Act
October 14, 2021
Federal Bills S 4986 and HR 7499 are listed in the 116th Congress. and support Dignity Alliance MA Goal 3:…
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…
Advocacy Letters for Holyoke Soldiers’ Home
August 19, 2021
On May 25, 2021, Governor Baker signed legislation authorizing bond financing for the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home providing $400 million for…
Biden to require COVID vaccines for nursing home staff
August 19, 2021
August 18, 2021 – WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that his administration will require that nursing…
S418 and H745: Personal Care Homes
August 10, 2021
An Act relative to expanding the availability of personal care homes for older adults “Personal care home” or “home”, a…
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…
Support S406 – Small House Nursing Homes
July 12, 2021
Download Jim Lomastro’s testimony (docx): Elder Affairs S406 Small Homes DAM. Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to speak…
Support S413, H733 – Improve Employee Standards for MA Nursing Homes
July 12, 2021
June 30, 2021 Download the pdf: Testimony on S413 and H733 An Act to Improve Employee Standards for MA Nursing…
Support S414, H727 – Ensure Quality of Care in Nursing Homes
July 12, 2021
June 30, 2021 Download the pdf: Testimony on S414 and H727 An Act to Ensure Quality of Care in Nursing…
Support Community Service Budget Items
June 14, 2021
Action Steps – Contact Mass State Senators and Reps to advocate with the conference committee to support the House version…
Response to RFI Rescue Plan Act
May 6, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts’ Response to the Request for Information American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community-Based Community HCBS Initiatives May…
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home bond bill S. 2439
April 29, 2021
Dear Senators, Dignity Alliance Massachusetts supports the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home bond bill S. 2439 as well as adoption of Amendment…
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…
FY 2022 Budget Amendment Endorsement 7004-9030 (Alternative Housing Voucher Program)
April 14, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts advocates for the adoption of the following amendment affecting Line Item 7004-9030: Alternative Housing Voucher Program, mobile…
FY 2022 Budget Amendment Endorsement: 4120-4000 ( pilot to develop community-based sites for behavioral health services for adults under sixty)
April 14, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts advocates for the adoption of the following amendment affecting Line Item 4120-4000 (Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission): For a…
FY 2022 Budget Amendment Endorsement: 9110-1640 (Executive Office of Elder Affairs – Level funding at $1,000,000 and two new treatment sites.)
April 14, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts advocates for the adoption of the following amendment affecting Line Item 9110-1640 (Executive Office of Elder Affairs):…
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,…
Long Term Care – John Oliver
April 13, 2021
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver – April 12, 2021 – John Oliver explains the industry behind nursing homes and…
Endorsement: Vaccine Equity for POC
April 8, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts endorses the petition letter of the Vaccine Equity NOW! Coalition and demand that Governor Baker take immediate…
Endorsement: Vaccine Equity for PWD
March 18, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has endorsed the following Advocacy to add to listing of disability conditions to qualify for vaccination priority….
Goals Statement
March 11, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has endorsed a set of transformative goals in March, 2021. Download Dignity Alliance Massachusetts Mission and Goals…
Resolution: Call for Compassionate Care Visitation Policy
March 11, 2021
Call for Compassionate Care Visitation Policy for Nursing Home Residents Download the full resolution which includes references: Nursing Home Compassionate…
Resolution: Proposed Amendments to 105 CMR 150.000 Standards for Long Term Care Facilities
March 11, 2021
Download the testimony: Testimony 105CMR150.000 Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities DPH Hearing 2021.docx or scroll down. (Download includes extensive references,…
Resolution: Change 1115 Waiver Renewal
March 11, 2021
Download Dignity Alliance’s comments on the renewal of the Commonwealth’s 1115 Renewal: 1115 Waiver Renewal DAM.docx. Comments regarding the Renewal…
Harvard Webinar on FERNALD’S LEGACY
March 1, 2021
ENSURING WE NEVER FORGET DISABILITY RIGHTS HISTORY Wednesday March 10 noon – 1:30. Panelists: Alex Green, Reggie Clark, Woody Gaw…
Joint Committee on Covid-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management Hearing Feb. 25 at 11:00 a.m.
February 25, 2021
The Joint Committee on Covid-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management will hold its first in a series of oversight hearings…
Resolution: Urging the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to Correct the Social Security COVID Cut – December 2020
February 5, 2021
Whereas, Older Adults and People with Disabilities in Massachusetts and all Americans age fifty or overs are already on edge…
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…
Resolution: Single-Occupancy Rooms
February 5, 2021
We urge the immediate creation of an initiative to demonstrate the efficacy of nursing facilities operating primarily with single-occupancy rooms….
Resolution: Determine Why and How Residents and Workers Incurred the Worst Impact of Covid-19
February 5, 2021
We call for further legislative inquiry to determine why and how residents and workers disproportionately incurred the worst impact of…
Resolution: Universal Availability of Frontline Worker Supports
February 5, 2021
We strongly advocate appropriations to ensure the universal availability of necessary supports, including, but not limited to, sufficient and appropriate…
Resolution: Expand Availability of Home and Community Services
February 5, 2021
An immediate objective is the expansion of the ability of older adults and persons with disabilities to receive comprehensive services,…
Testimony: Applications for Determination of Need from Long-Term Care Facilities
February 5, 2021
Testimony to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Determination of Need Program relative to its Memorandum on Applications for Determination…
Resolution: Specialized Populations
February 5, 2021
Dignity Alliance supports lifting the DON moratorium for specialized skilled nursing facilities for substance use/mental health issues and COVID-19 rehabilitation….
Resolution: Enhanced Infection Control
February 5, 2021
Dignity Alliance generally applauds the Department’s attention to infection control and believes this should be a priority for ALL skilled…
Resolution: Dedication of New Beds for MassHealth Recipients
February 5, 2021
Dignity Alliance applauds the Department’s recognition that older adults and persons with disabilities who qualify for MassHealth have the right…
Resolution: Performance Scores
February 5, 2021
Dignity Alliance agrees that quality measures and past performance of applicants are vital to offering long-term care services. Issue An…
Resolution: Compliance with DON Health Priorities
February 5, 2021
Dignity Alliance urges the Department to set the bar high and suggests that all the listed priorities are important. Applicants…
Alison Barkoff
January 28, 2021
Alison Barkoff was sworn into office as the Principal Deputy Administrator on January 20, 2021, and currently is serving as…
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…
Request to State Auditor
January 14, 2021
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has sent a letter to State Auditor Suzanne Bump, asking for a follow up audit of nursing…
Resolution: Correct SS Covid Cut
December 7, 2020
Without this protection, people who become eligible for Social Security in 2022 will be the victims of potentially reduced benefits,…
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…
OPPOSE Waltham Light Show at Fernald
November 9, 2020
Disability Advocates Oppose Waltham Light Show at Abandoned Institution We are calling on the City of Waltham and the Waltham…
Budget Items for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
November 2, 2020
Read FY 21 Budget Letter to Ways and Means.docx to learn about DAM’s specific recommended improvements to the budget. Note:…
Act To Address Estate Recovery Issues Due To COVID-19
November 2, 2020
Download the testimony: Dignity Alliance Estate Recovery Testimony 20890.docx October 30, 2020 H4978 / S2818 Dear Chairs of the Judiciary…
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…
National Legislation on Infection Reporting
November 2, 2020
Stakeholders urge Congress to empower CDC to protect patient safety in legislation to help address the COVID emergency Download the…
The Shameful Toll of Nursing Homes
November 2, 2020
New York Times Letter to the Editor Download the New York Times September 6 Response.docx To the Editor: Re: “The…
Patriot Ledger – Working for Nursing Home Reform
September 3, 2020
Nice write-up in the Patriot Ledger! Working for widescale nursing home reform by Sue Scheibel on September 2, 2020.
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…