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"Today marks a critical and hopeful milestone in our fight against Covid-19 with the first wave of vaccines being distributed today in nursing facilities across the Commonwealth. Many nursing facilities are reporting more than 90% of residents have consented to receiving the vaccine and a growing number of staff are planning to be vaccinated. This is a testament to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, as well as ongoing education efforts by many including bi-lingual materials Mass Senior Care

A campaign to vaccinate 115,000 residents and employees at Massachusetts long-term-care facilities began Monday, bringing hope to a sector ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 30 vaccination clinics were held at these facilities Monday, according to state officials, with more scheduled over the next several weeks. The clinics mark a transformational moment in the long-term-care industry’s fight against the coronavirus. COVID-19 has sickened more than 30,000 residents and workers and killed more than 7,000, accounting for more than 60

MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES "ARMING OURSELVES AGAINST COVID-19" CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE COVID-19 VACCINATION CAMPAIGN TO FOCUS ON SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF COVID-19 VACCINES The Massachusetts Senior Care Association, representing more than 350 nursing facilities and long term care facilities across the Commonwealth launched a campaign this week to encourage long term care residents and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 virus as soon as possible. Called "Arming Ourselves Against COVID-19" the campaign seeks to educate those who work and

Massachusetts Senior Care Association launches COVID-19 vaccine education program, 1st shots expected week of Dec. 28 By LISA KASHINSKY | lkashinsky@bostonherald.com PUBLISHED: December 18, 2020 at 8:49 p.m. A coronavirus vaccine education campaign is getting underway in senior care facilities across the state with nursing homes in line to receive their first shots shortly after Christmas. Baker administration officials said this week that vaccinations will begin in long-term care facilities during the week of Dec. 28. CVS and Walgreens pharmacies

Nursing homes take steps to prevent COVID-19 spread Cynthia McCormick Cape Cod Times As nursing home officials across the state anticipate phase one of the state vaccination campaign announced last week, they are hoping new infection control procedures prevent the massive loss of life that occurred in the pandemic surge last spring. Residents of long-term care facilities represent about 52% of total COVID-19 deaths on Cape Cod since the pandemic began. In the spring and summer, however, that number reached

STATEMENT FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATION REGARDING THE BAKER ADMINISTRATION'S PLAN FOR COVID-19 VACCINE PHASED ROLLOUT The Massachusetts Senior Care Association together with our residents, their families and caregivers are extremely grateful to state and federal public health officials for continuing to prioritize the protection of residents and staff in nursing homes, assisted living, and rest home residents, by ensuring they are in the first cohort of COVID-19 vaccine recipients. The Baker Administration's planned rollout is great news and

‘Time is of the essence here’: High-risk groups await state vaccine plan Massachusetts could see two vaccines arrive by mid- to late December By Robert Weisman and Deanna Pan Globe Staff,Updated December 1, 2020, 2:19 p.m. With the first COVID-19 vaccines on track to arrive in Massachusetts in less than two weeks, the groups most vulnerable to the deadly virus — from front-line health workers to residents of hard-hit communities — are awaiting the state’s plan for allocating the initial

REP. RICHARD NEAL TO MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS: WE NEED TO DO MORE TO SUPPORT HEROIC NURSING HOME WORKERS ANNUAL MEETING SPEAKERS FOCUS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TOLL ON STAFF AND RECOVERY STRATEGIES Boston--At today's annual meeting of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA) and its members, The Honorable Richard Neal, U.S. Congressman for the state's 1st District, spoke about the incredible efforts of nursing home staff during the pandemic, and the need for ongoing support to protect residents

Stipends offered for nursing home training by: Chris Lisinski, SHNS Posted: Nov 18, 2020 / 08:47 PM EST / Updated: Nov 18, 2020 / 08:47 PM EST BOSTON (SHNS) – The Massachusetts Senior Care Association and Hebrew SeniorLife will help train 300 nursing homes across the state in infection control as part of a national program, officials announced Wednesday. The two organizations will serve as a “hub” in the National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network, an initiative to help better

MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATION AND HEBREW SENIORLIFE TO LEAD 300 NURSING HOMES IN NATIONWIDE INITIATIVE TO FIGHT COVID-19 INFECTION IN NURSING HOMES Massachusetts Senior Care Association and Hebrew SeniorLife are collaborating in a nationwide training program to help keep COVID-19 from spreading in area nursing homes and to prepare and equip staff so that they can better protect residents and themselves. This is an essential nationwide initiative in the fight against COVID-19. The program is part of the National Nursing

I started my career in long term care as a nursing home social worker on Cape Cod in 1991 and now operate a non-profit system that includes eight skilled nursing facilities across Massachusetts. COVID-19 changed the world we live in with lightning speed. Thousands of elderly and vulnerable people have lost their lives as the virus worked its way through long-term care facilities across the state, including my buildings. After months of fighting coronavirus around the clock, my colleagues and

Statement From Tara Gregorio, President of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Regarding the Baker Administration's Additional Funding Package for Nursing Homes We are grateful to Governor Baker and his Administration for making emergency funds available to help long-term care facilities protect our residents and staff from the unprecedented dangers of COVID-19. The Massachusetts Senior Care Association, the COVID-19 Policy Alliance, led by MIT faculty, and Hebrew SeniorLife have formed a COVID-19 Long Term Care Command Center to help support nursing

By Simon Johnson, Kate Kellogg, and Retsef Levi Residents of nursing facilities in Massachusetts are in grave danger. As of April 15, 48 percent of reported COVID-19 deaths in the state were in long-term care facilities. From April 10 to April 15 alone, 283 deaths were attributed to COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. Over the same period, the number of reported cases by residents and health care workers in these facilities increased by more than 95 percent, and the number

STATEMENT FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATION REGARDING THE ADMINISTRATION'S PLANS FOR STAFFING NURSING HOMES AND FUNDING WAGES While we acknowledge and are grateful for Governor Baker's and Secretary Sudders’ continued support for nursing home residents, their families and caregivers, we believe the crisis situation warrants significant additional investments for our frontline staff. Together with the Command Center, we are making good progress on accessing testing and vital PPE, but we need to do more to help protect and support

Nursing Home Association Warns Administration & Legislature: State Must Do More to Prevent Widespread Deaths His Excellency, Charles Baker Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Massachusetts State House Office of the Governor, Room 280 Boston, MA 02133 The Honorable Karen Spilka Massachusetts Senate, President 24 Beacon Street, Room 356 Boston, MA 02133 The Honorable Robert DeLeo Massachusetts House of Representatives, Speaker 24 Beacon Street, Room 332 Boston, MA 02133 Dear Governor Baker, Senate President Spilka and Speaker DeLeo: I am

SHNS Coronavirus Tracker (Tuesday PM Update) The Latest on COVID-19 SHNS Staff4/14/20 6:14 PM APRIL 14, 2020.....Total deaths in Massachusetts linked to the coronavirus pandemic approached 1,000 on Tuesday as Gov. Charlie Baker touted the opening of one field hospital and announced plans for two others. Although overall confirmed cases for two days straight have increased at a lower rate than they have over the last week, public health officials cautioned against interpreting trends from daily totals and Baker said

Nursing home leader warns of death and devastation Asks state for more testing, more PPE, and $130m more a month April 13, 2020 THE PRESIDENT of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association on Monday warned of death and devastation at nursing homes unless the state dramatically ramps up COVID-19 testing of residents and employees, prioritizes the delivery of personal protective equipment, and funnels an additional $130 million a month to the industry. In a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker, House Speaker

Statement From Tara Gregorio, President of Massachusetts Senior Care Association April 10, 2020 The continuing rise in the number of cases among the 38,000 frail elderly and disabled residents under our care is devastating to our residents, families and staff who are courageously battling the most horrific pandemic in our lifetimes. Together with the Commonwealth and hospital partners, we must redouble our efforts to support and protect our nursing home residents and staff in three very simple, actionable ways: 1)

Senior care facilities are “teetering on the edge of collapse” without enough protective gear, testing and funding to keep Massachusetts’ most vulnerable populations alive as coronavirus spreads through nursing homes at an alarming rate. “In a lot of ways, we are the front line of this battle. And that’s why the urgency of the personal protective equipment and the staffing and the resources is now,” said Massachusetts Senior Care Association President Tara Gregorio. “This was already a system in crisis

NURSING HOMES PUT OUT URGENT PLEA FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) DONATIONS FOR FRONTLINE STAFF WEBSITE CREATED FOR DONATIONS Today the Massachusetts Senior Care Association launched a website for donations of Personal Protection Equipment for nursing home staff fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle. MSCA is looking for donations of surgical masks, N-95 masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, thermometer covers, and alcohol-based sanitizing gels. All donations will directly go to nursing homes most in need. Facing severe shortages

In the past week, dozens of Massachusetts nursing home residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and at least 20 have died from the disease. Now, an industry group that represents hundreds of senior care facilities around the state says their members are facing a major a shortage of staffing, funds, and personal protective equipment like masks and gowns. "We have nursing facilities today that do not have adequate supplies of masks, gloves and gowns," said Tara Gregorio, president of the

Important Update from Massachusetts Senior Care Association President Tara Gregorio Regarding COVID-19 Testing of Nursing Facility Residents The Massachusetts Senior Care Association and our members are grateful to the Command Center for being the first state in the country to act by lowering the threshold for COVID-19 testing for long term care residents. To our knowledge, no other state has yet to expand testing criteria for long term care residents. This action is consistent with CDC findings released on March

By Edelyne Bontemps April 2, 2020 Coronavirus is affecting everyday life — even for those who have not been infected. We are sharing stories of its impact on local people. This story was told by Edelyne Bontemps, a full-time Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Elizabeth Seton Residence Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Wellesley, and has been transcribed and edited from a conversation with Kristi Palma. My name is Edelyne Bontemps. I’m a CNA at Elizabeth Seton in Wellesley. Right now

Update from Massachusetts Senior Care Association President Tara Gregorio Regarding Efforts to Combat COVID-19 in Skilled Nursing Facilities The elderly, both those living in skilled nursing facilities or in the community, remain particularly vulnerable to contracting the COVID-19 virus and, those with underlying health conditions are especially at risk. It is widely predicted by public health authorities that even with all current efforts that are underway, the number of COVID-19 cases among nursing home residents and their frontline caregivers will

CHATHAM – The need for social isolation is one of the most difficult aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, cutting off visits from families and friends, often their only social interactions, can be difficult. “It's just very limiting for us all,” said Liberty Commons resident John Shearer. “But it's a sacrifice that a few of us have to make. We're very vulnerable, and certainly don't want the virus to get in here

STATEMENT OF TARA GREGORIO, PRESIDENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATION, ON COVID-19 RECOVERY SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH “Skilled nursing facilities care for some of the most vulnerable residents of the Commonwealth and our members are taking extraordinary steps to help ensure their health, safety and well- being during this COVID-19 outbreak. Due to the anticipated surge in the need for hospital and nursing facility care over the coming weeks, nursing facilities in partnership with the Commonwealth and

Mass Senior Care Association Releases Statement Supporting SALMON Health & Retirement’s Decision to Dedicate A Building to Caring for COVID-19 Patients “Skilled nursing facilities care for some of the most vulnerable residents of the Commonwealth and our members are taking extraordinary steps to help ensure their health, safety and well-being during this COVID-19 outbreak. Due to the anticipated surge in the need for hospital and nursing facility care over the coming weeks, the state has called on us to help

Massachusetts nursing homes caring for many of the people most vulnerable to the coronavirus made a public plea Tuesday for additional funding, staff and supplies to help protect residents and their caregivers. Tara Gregorio, president of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, which represents nearly 400 nursing homes, said their ability to meet the needs of both depends largely on the ability to secure personal protective equipment, including masks, scrubs and gloves. “We’re clearly in the bull’s-eye right now,” said Richard

Statement from Mass Senior Care Association Regarding Mobilization of Nursing Homes to Meet Resident and Staff Needs During Covid-19 Crisis Massachusetts Senior Care Association is working closely with the Baker Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other state and federal agencies to support the state's nursing homes in mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus that poses a lifethreatening danger to our elderly residents. The Association is assisting nursing facilities across the Commonwealth to mobilize all resources necessary

MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON UPDATED COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS “As the Commonwealth moves aggressively to a COVID-19 mitigation strategy, the state’s nursing facilities are working diligently to implement every available measure in order to protect the state’s 100,000 residents and staff who are especially at risk of contracting this illness. Following Tuesday’s declaration of a State Emergency by Gov. Charlie Baker, the Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA) is continuing to work with the Baker Administration to implement statewide protocols aimed

MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON COVID-19 Massachusetts Senior Care Association members are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our residents and staff, including use of personal protective equipment, posting signage at entrances and throughout our facilities on best practices, providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and asking those with respiratory illnesses and those who have traveled out of the country to refrain from in-person visits. As always, the safety and health of residents and staff in the Commonwealth's nursing

My mother Helen lived on her own at home until she was 89 years old and then lived in elderly housing until she was 97, at which point she came to live with me and my husband in our Lowell home. After she suffered a mild stroke while living with us and left us for rehabilitative care, we knew she needed more care than we could provide. One year ago, she moved into the Palm Center nursing facility in Chelmsford

Cape Cod's population is aging, at the same time the region has fewer and fewer working professionals to take care of the elderly. That shortage has been a factor in a number of nursing homes closing on the Cape and South Coast earlier this year. A large part of the nursing home workforce is made up of Certified Nursing Assistants – also known as CNAs. Often paid minimum wage, these workers are the first line of caretakers for the elderly

BOSTON – Building on decades-long tradition of supporting employees working to achieve their goals of a career in long term care, the Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation announced its 2019 Foundation Scholars. This year’s class of 35 recipients will use their scholarships to help pay for tuition, books, and other out-of-pocket expenses as they work towards advancing their personal and professional goals in the long term care profession. “It’s an honor to announce this year’s scholarship recipients. The 2019 Foundation Scholars

Nine Massachusetts Long Term Care Facilities Receive National Quality Award Waltham, MA – Nine member nursing facilities of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association have been been awarded the American Health Care Association’s 2019 Silver Achievement in Quality Awards in recognition of the exemplary resident care provided at each of these facilities. “We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of these member nursing facilities,” said Tara Gregorio, President of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association. “A Silver Achievement in Quality Award demonstrates

By Robert Weisman Globe Staff June 23, 2019 DARTMOUTH — When five Skyline nursing homes shut their doors last month, Frank Romano came to the rescue. He accepted more than three dozen old and frail residents at a pair of nursing homes he owns here and in neighboring New Bedford. Now he’s scrambling to find nurses to care for them, along with more kitchen, laundry, and maintenance workers. As he looks for help, he’s struggling to operate the properties profitably

23 Massachusetts Long Term Care Facilities Receive National Quality Award Waltham, MA – Twenty-three member facilities of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association have been recognized nationally for providing exemplary care to their residents as recipients of the 2019 Bronze Commitment to Quality Award. The award, given annually by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, recognizes those providers that have demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of care for individuals living in senior living

To the editor: I have worked as a certified nursing assistant at the Elizabeth Seton Residence skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Wellesley for more than 30 years. I love helping my elderly residents, making sure they get the love and care they deserve. Nursing home staff are hardworking and the job isn’t easy. We feed them, bathe them, dress them, toilet them, among other things. It takes a lot of patience and compassion but it’s important they feel like

By Chris Lisinski STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, APRIL 4, 2019......Almost three dozen nursing homes across Massachusetts are at risk of closing this year, threatening the ability of senior citizens to access needed care, an industry group warned. In recent months, 20 facilities have shuttered, and another 35 could do so by the end of the year if lawmakers do not act to close a $360 million annual funding gap, according to the Massachusetts Senior Care Association. MassHealth

MA NURSING HOME SECTOR TO SOUND THE ALARM TO LAWMAKERS AT MONDAY STATE HOUSE HEARING NURSING HOME STABILIZATION BILLS RECOGNIZE UNPRECEDENTED FINANCIAL CRISIS JEOPARDIZING ACCESS TO QUALITY CARE 35 HOMES POTENTIALLY AT RISK OF CLOSING THIS YEAR BOSTON --- Saying the need is now, the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, along with nursing home direct care workers, residents, their families and providers will urge the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs on Monday to approve legislation to stabilize the nursing home sector

By Cathy Ferency/Guest Columnist March 28, 2019 A few years ago, I, along with my mother, made the difficult decision to secure a place for her in a nearby nursing home. It’s never an easy decision, especially in my mom’s case, because she was so independent and able to take care of herself. Until she couldn’t. She needed more care than I could provide given that I work full time. After moving into the nursing home, neither she, nor I

Lori Ferrante has a lot on her mind. She oversees Elizabeth Seton Residence, one of the highest-ranked nursing homes in the state, which historically has meant stable finances and a long wait list to get in. But the wait list has shortened in recent years, and while occupancy rates are regularly higher than industry averages, Ferrante nonetheless finds herself regularly checking the nonprofit’s bank accounts to ensure enough money is available to cover payroll. “I didn’t need to do that

Across the U.S., Medicaid rates tend to fall short of the cost of nursing home care for beneficiaries. In the state of Massachusetts, the financial pressures have rendered many skilled nursing facilities unstable — and forced many of them to close. The trend has also forced many of them to leave bills unpaid, which spreads the pain outside the SNF to vendors and others. For Tara Gregorio of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA), it’s a warning sign about the

Last year 20 nursing homes in the state shut their doors, including Island Terrace, a family owned four-star facility in Lakeville. Now, the Taunton City Council has voted to close the Taunton Nursing Home. Managing the closing of a nursing home, which we had to do in six of the 20 homes, is a difficult and painful task for all concerned and it is something I hope I never have to do again. Relocating people, especially fragile people, from their

In March of 2017, I took to these pages to warn of a pending crisis in Massachusetts skilled nursing facilities, suggesting that closures were coming, staffing challenges were escalating, and that the high quality care that our sector provides to frail elders who can no longer be cared for at home was in jeopardy. Sadly, today those warnings have become reality, and the situation is only getting worse. Consider the facts today. The majority of residents in our homes are

The economy is booming, unemployment is low and a “silver tsunami” of baby boomers — the wealthiest generation in U.S. history — are beginning to retire and make decisions about their long-term health care. It seems like it would be a good time to be in the nursing home business. But in reality, senior care advocates, workers and even residents say the industry is in a financial crisis in Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, an advocacy organization

Massachusetts skilled nursing homes are facing an unprecedented crisis that currently threatens our ability to fulfill our obligations. Yes, it’s that’s serious. Unfortunately, it’s not a surprise. Two years ago, I suggested that closures were coming, staffing challenges were escalating, and that the high quality care that our sector provides to frail elders who can no longer be cared for at home was in jeopardy. Sadly, today those warnings have become reality, and the situation is only getting worse. Consider

Consider this scenario. Your aging parent is in her 80s, medically fragile, with worsening dementia. She’s been able to live alone in her home, but after falling and breaking her hip, that’s no longer a safe option given her growing needs. Together, you decide that she needs to move to a nursing home where she will receive 24-hour quality care and where you can visit regularly. For nearly 30 years, Bethany Health Care Center - a sponsored ministry of the

WALTHAM — Congressman Richard E. Neal has received the "A Better Life" award from the Massachusetts Senior Care Association for his tireless advocacy on behalf of nursing home residents and staff. He was honored for his commitment and leadership in protecting access to Medicaid and Medicare for vulnerable elderly residents and patients needing skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

HYANNIS — A new supplemental state fee assessed to employers for workers receiving health insurance through MassHealth or the Massachusetts Health Connector is hitting small businesses and nonprofit organizations hard. But state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, hopes to get them some relief through an amendment to the state’s fiscal year 2019 budget that would offer a hardship exemption to the surcharge. The Employer Medical Assistance Contribution supplement, proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker in 2017, went into effect Jan. 1. The