A state-funded program that helps Massachusetts seniors and people with Alzheimer's disease avoid nursing homes and other long-term care facilities is projected to lose money if current usage trends continue, advocates say. people warned on Tuesday.
Massachusetts home care program, available to people over 60 or under 60 with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, faces a deficit of tens of millions of dollars even with zero program growth through the remainder of fiscal year 2025, proposed said the people. Briefing session.
According to Mass Aging Access, the elderly population in Massachusetts is “rapidly growing,” with people generally living longer and people over 60 preferring to stay at home rather than move into a nursing home. This shortage is said to be occurring because of the thinking.
Sen. Pat Geren, a Somerville resident who co-chairs the Aging Affairs Committee, said supporting home care programs is “very important.”
“I cannot overestimate the importance of supporting home care and trying to resolve this issue as soon as possible so people can plan and hire talent that is very hard to find.” said Geren during a virtual briefing hosted by Mass Aging Access. .
Mass Aging Access notes that local home care program providers “frequently see populations who are more frail and require more complex care, including consumers living with dementia.” This includes an increase.”
About 65% of people enrolled in home care programs in 2023 had a median household income of less than $25,582, and 36% had incomes between $10,000 and $19,000, the organization said.
The program served nearly 47,000 individuals in June, a 9% increase from June 2023. By the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, ridership has already reached 48,528, according to Mass Aging Access.
“Demographics clearly show that usage will likely continue to increase through fiscal year 2025,” the group said in a presentation to lawmakers.
Lisa Gargon of Mystic Valley Elder Services said the program would require about $54 million, assuming an 8% growth trend.
“We have been working very closely with the administration to address this issue,” Gurgone said. “Unfortunately, it appears that the Commonwealth was using the fiscal year 2023 utilization numbers when the fiscal year 2025 numbers were being prepared.”
First published: December 17, 2024 at 3:35pm EST
