In The SpotlightGerry started at the Blaire House Adult Day Health Center in May of 2008. Gerry grew up in South Boston. His mother was a “Kelly of Southie.” He is the oldest of nine children and is very close to his family. He has 15 nieces and nephews. An avid Boston sports fan, he

especially loves the Red Sox. He also loves horse racing. Gerry resides in Franklin. He has a great sense of humor and loves to joke around with everyone. Gerry is a joy to have at the program.Thank you for being part of our family.

SUMMER 2019

Senior Whole Health Coordinates the Care You Need When You Need it.

All your Medicare and MassHealth Standard benefits and plus we add more.

Call Maureen Gulino, Program Director at Blaire House

508.482.7222 or mgulino@egmcare.com

Blaire House of Milford Adult Day Health Center20 Claflin Street, Milford, MA 01757

Tel: 508.482.7222 • www.elderservices.comDIRECTORY EXTENSIONProgram Director: Maureen Gulino 3525Nursing: Martha Dunn and Mary King 3543Nursing: Cheryl Dufresne and Mary King 3544, 3518Admissions Coordinator/Marketing: Christa Ferraro 774-217-4118Sr. Van Driver/Transportation Coordinator: Neil Queen 508-400-7347Activities Director: Nancy Curran, Elaine Skillins 3535, 3518Social Worker: Lissa Minichiello 3535

Blaire House of Milford Adult Day Health Center is family owned and operated within an integrated care community, including: short-stay rehabilitation, 24-hour nursing care services, home care and senior transportation. As your needs change over time, we can provide the service necessary.

Have you considered Home Care services?If you have suffered an illness or injury, our Home Care services can offer you the care you need in the convenience of your own home. Our professional staff can assist you with life’s daily activities like laundry, light housekeeping, and bathing, so you can focus on your recovery.

To find out more about our services, call:Admission/Intake Tel: 508.482.7292

Gerry

The area’s only Specialized Memory Day Program to improve quality of life.

The Specialized Memory Center was created to improve the quality of life of adults experiencing memory loss and to provide much needed support to their families. The foundation of our unique model — early intervention, whole family support, and high engagement — allows family members to remain in their homes longer and improve their quality of life. Our customized, comprehensive memory program supports those living with memory loss due to mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, stroke, or other causes of dementia.Your loved one can experience a change of scenery and make new friends in our special, attentive environment and return to the comfort of home at night!

The tenth annual legislative event, “The Current State of Senior Care in Massachusetts and the Nation,” was held on March 25, 2019 at Blaire House of Milford Assisted Living. Keynote Speakers on the subject were Frank Romano, President of Essex Group Management Corp., Ryan C. Fattman, State Senator, Brian W. Murray, State Representative, and Danielle Gregoire, State Representative.Nursing facilities across the state are “at a crisis stage,” according to Frank Romano, with 20 facilities closing last year and an estimated 39 more expected to close this year. Medicaid reimbursements are smaller than the actual cost of providing care. He stated, “After 40 years in this business, I’ve never seen it as bad as it is today.” Senator Fattman advised that the state’s Medicaid reimbursement has not changed since 2007. He outlined several pieces of pending legislation that could help the situation. He said there are 401 nursing homes in Massachusetts with operating deficits, some as high as $1 million each year. “You as an industry, have our attention,” stated Gregoire. Last year she chaired the House Committee on Elder Affairs and is now chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Oversight.“This is something facing every person in Massachusetts,” Murray stated, “There is no question that this industry is in crisis.” He is a member of the

House Ways and Means Committee and advised that “Advocacy is key.”The reimbursement gap and subsequent losses in nursing facilities’ operating budgets is resulting in banks refusing to lend to or refinance existing facilities. Funding matters! Eighty-one percent of Massachusetts residents believe increased funding for nursing home care and direct care staff is a priority. As the Baby Boomer population becomes the fastest growing demographic in the state, this crisis in the nursing care industry grows as well. It must be addressed.

Pictured: Frank C. Romano, President, Essex Group Management • Representative Brian Murray Claire Cummings • Senator Ryan Fattman • Damian Dell’Anno, Chief Executive Officer, Next Step Healthcare • Kyle Romano, Executive Director, Blaire House of Milford

10Legislative Event

AnniversarythofBlaire House

Milford

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.”

— James Dent