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2023-09-25 Spotlight: For Disabled Couples, a Plea for Marriage
September 25, 2023
New York Times (free access)By Tammy LaGorce, September 15, 2023 On Wednesday afternoon, 20 couples gathered in front of a…
DignityMA 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,…
DignityMA Study Session – ReFraming Aging
September 14, 2023
Presenter: Melissa Donegan, LSW, Director, Healthy Living Center of Excellence, AgeSpan Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 10:00 a.m. Join ReFraming Aging…
DignityMA Study Session – PACE Program 101 and More
September 14, 2023
PACE – Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly Presenter: Candace Kuebel, LCSW, MSW, MBA, Executive Director,MassPACE Association Wednesday,…
DignityMA Study Session – The Future of Nursing Homes: Navigator Homes of Martha’s Vineyard – A case Study
September 14, 2023
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 2:00 p.m. Embracing the core values in the disruptive concept for nursing home design, the “Green…
Nursing Home Staffing
September 14, 2023
This important topic was not a DignityMA Study Session, but this post attempts to be a compilation of current information…
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…
DignityMA Study Session with Secy. Edward Augustus
August 31, 2023
DignityMA Study Session with Secretary Edward Augustus, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 1:00…
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…
2023-08-07 Spotlight: My Friend is Trapped in a Nursing Home. What Can I Do?
August 7, 2023
By Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times Ethicist columnistNew York Times (free access), July 28, 2023 Five years ago, I…
DPH Proposed Regulations Eliminating COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Personnel
August 3, 2023
(Scroll down to read DignityMA testimony for this proposal.) The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued proposed amendments to…
FY ’24 DIGNITY SUPPORTED BUDGET ITEMS IN THE FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT
July 31, 2023
Report of the DignityMA Legislative Work Group 7/31/2023 Download the FY 2024 DignityMA Supported Budget Items (pdf). The following items,…
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…
Dignity Alliance Wants to be Cool!
July 31, 2023
Media Release Calls for Executive Action and Legislation to promote cooling for older adults and people with disabilities As another…
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…
2023-07-10 Spotlight: Respiratory Syncytial Virus – RSV
July 10, 2023
With the Word ‘May’, ACIP Leaves Seniors Vulnerable to RSV This Winter July 5, 2023, By Richard Hughes IV and…
DignityMA Concerns with H. 3929 – Comprehensive Nursing Home Legislation
July 10, 2023
Dignity Alliance MA has released a statement on “What’s Needed for Transformational Nursing Home Reform to Improve Quality and Oversight”…
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…
DignityMA Study Session with 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…
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15, 2023
Join the DignityMA Resolution for Sufficient Nursing Home Staffing Thursday, June 15, 2023 marks the annual observance of WORLD ELDER…
How to Be a Better Advocate for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers
June 13, 2023
Explore the crucial role of advocating for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers with state and federal legislators….
2023-06-12 Spotlight: Virginia’s Failed Regulation of Law-Avoiding Nursing Home Owners
June 12, 2023
Scandal in Plain Sight – Virginia’s Failed Regulation of Law-Avoiding Nursing Home Owners Bacon’s RebellionJune 10, 2023by James C. Sherlock…
2023-06-05 Spotlight: The Care Economy with Ai-jen Poo
June 5, 2023
Why Is This Happening? (Podcast and transcript)May 31, 2023 Every day in the United States, 10,000 people turn 65, according…
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 Novak I recently had…
Open Letter from DignityMA regarding Masking, Patient Safety, and Trust
May 25, 2023
The following two letters were sent to Health System Leaders in Massachusetts, on the occasion of suspending masking requirements and…
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…
DignityMA Testimony and Campbell Letter re: Disclosures of Ownership and Transparency of Nursing Facilities Owners and Managerment
April 18, 2023
Scroll down for Attorney General Campbell media advisory and letter, also on this topic. DignityMA submits testimony in response to…
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…
How Nursing Homes Funnel Billions Through Companies – Little Scrutiny from Federal Government: Report, Webinar and Study Session
March 31, 2023
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, in a launch of the new Aging and Disabilities Study Sessions, will hosted a state level discussion…
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:…
PCA Rally for Increased Wages
March 13, 2023
On March 1, PCA from 1199 SEIU union, consumers, advocates and legislators gathered at the union headquarters. After reminding everyone…
This is outrageous re: Nursing Home Closures
March 10, 2023
‘This is outrageous’: Advocates urge state to take control of four nursing homes slated to close Paul Lanzikos, on behalf…
Letter to DPH re: Nursing Home Closures
March 10, 2023
Paul Lanzikos, on behalf of DignityMA, has sent the following letter to the Department of Public Health regarding the closure…
Letter to AG re: Nursing Home Closures
March 10, 2023
Paul Lanzikos, on behalf of DignityMA, has sent the following letter to the Attorney General on March 8, 2023, regarding…
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,…
2023-24 “Dignity Dozen+” Co-Sponsorship Day at the State House
February 21, 2023
Dignity Alliance Hosts First Co-Sponsorship Day at the State House – February 16, 2023 Legislators, Staff, Advocates Join to Advocate…
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…
Oxford nursing home sued for neglect of a patient
January 10, 2023
Sunday Eagle-Tribune, January 8, 2023, by Mike LaBella Editor’s note: Arlene Germain is Chair of Dignity Alliance’s Facilities Workgroup. A…
DignityMA Seeks Expertise re: resident room limits
December 29, 2022
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts is seeking expertise regarding: RIVER TERRACE OPERATOR, LLC, et al. vs. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, et al. Superior…
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…
DignityMA supports H.3150 / S.2009 – Public Records
December 8, 2022
Statement of Support for H.3150 / S.2009: An Act Relating to Access to Public Records SECTION 1. Section 7 of…
DignityMA supports Class Action re: Violations of the ADA and Medicaid Act
December 1, 2022
Statement of Support Dignity Alliance Massachusetts and Its Partners Support Resolution of the Complaint Underlying the Class Action Suit filed…
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…