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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Listening and learning key to supporting elder issues
As I navigate my way through my first term as State Representative for the 2nd Berkshire District, I am reminded of some advice my dear grandfather used to give me. The advice was simply a reminder that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason, because we should be listening more than we are speaking. Learning the ropes on how to be an effective legislator for my district includes closely following my grandfather’s advice. I will be listening to veteran legislators like Rep. Daniel Bosley of North Adams, Rep. Steve Kulik of Worthington, Rep. Smitty Pignatelli of Lenox and Senator Andrea Nuciforo.
I also will be listening to the leaders and the community organizers from the towns I represent. But most importantly, I want to hear from you, the people of the 2nd Berkshire District, learning what your concerns are. Whether it is your concerns about Prescription Advantage, SHINE, TRIAD, housing, heating assistance, home care, or any other issue, I want to hear from you. I will do all I can to get you the information you need or point you in a direction where you can receive assistance.
This is a great time to be a member of the legislature. New leadership changes, bringing about a new speaker, have ushered in an exciting time at the State House. The state’s revenue picture has been slowly improving, allowing the House to restore many of the cuts to essential programs and to expand innovative programs.
In my short time as a legislator, I’ve been contacted by many elders on a wide-range of topics, but one topic on which everyone’s concerned about is the future of elder services in Massachusetts. I’ve listened to concerns about nursing home care and funding cuts to many essential programs. I’ve listened to advocates for home care present evidence that home-based programs provide personalized care that allows people to continue to live in their communities with dignity.
I was proud to support Elder Services’ programs in the budget and see the House of Representatives commit funding to home and community-based services for elders in Massachusetts, as these programs enable people to remain involved in our communities. Elder Services items I supported during the budget debate included the Money Management program to help elders maintain their finances, the Enhanced Community Options program to help disabled elders through home care plans, Home Care services to provide homemaking, personal care, and transportation assistance, Home Care Case Management, Elder Lunch programs, and several programs to help end elder homelessness.
One of the exciting expanded programs in the House’s budget was $2 million for the elder care initiative project, Caring Homes. Currently a small pilot program, Caring Homes delays or prevents nursing home placement by extending the current Adult Foster Care program, allowing State Home Care clients who do not have MassHealth and who meet specific clinic eligibility criteria, to remain in their communities by providing a stipend to family members (not a spouse or dependent child) who are providing 24/7 care in their home. The Caring Homes initiative is approximately 65% of the cost of a nursing home placement and would save taxpayers an average of $20,000 per year, proving that community-based programs also make good fiscal sense.
Long-term care is becoming a larger part of the state budget, and as it grows, the legislature will have to address how to reduce costs and provide programs, which continue to meet the needs of the people. I plan on being a strong supporter of any initiatives that address this issue.