MHAC is continuing to collect and share updates on COVID-19 from state government, federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, and other key stakeholders.
These updates are to help and inform a wide range of individuals and partners, including communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly.
Please see the latest updates below:
- Baker Administration Announces New Actions To Expand Health Care Workforce, Other Actions To Support Providers, Business During COVID-19
The Baker-Polito Administration today announced new actions that will support efforts to expand the Commonwealth’s health care workforce by expediting licensing for certain health care workers and onboarding for health care volunteers who have signed up through the Administration’s new online volunteer portal.
The Administration also outlined a Department of Public Health order that will support continuing steps being taken to expand care capacity for older adults infected with COVID-19, in addition to other actions designed to support providers and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- State Begins Recruiting Skilled Nursing Facilities as COVID-19 Treatment Sites
As reported in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and announced via a letter from the Mass. Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the state is acting on a plan to recruit skilled nursing facilities as COVID-19 treatment sites.
Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Care in Worcester was the first facility to be converted with others, like AdviniaCare at Wilmington, following with likely more in the works.= with an intention to take pressure off of hospitals.
- AARP Hosting Weekly Tele-Town Hall Event on COVID-19
AARP will host a weekly live Coronavirus Information Tele-Town Hall here on Thursdays at 1 p.m. ET. Please bookmark this page and join us each week for the latest information on the coronavirus by calling toll-free 855-274-9507.
All of these virtual events are recorded and available on the same webpage to listen live.
- BC Center for Retirement Research Tracking Financial Impact of COVID-19
Consistent with their mission, the Boston College Center for Retirement Research is
exploring how COVID-19 will impact retirement security from all angles. These include the
impacts of the crisis on public pension plans, 401(k)s, and the labor market, as well as the potential effects of policy responses.
Current resources are available here.
- NCOA Shares Resources from Tele-Town Hall Panel of Experts
Last week, more than 1,600 older adults and professionals in aging attended a tele-town hall event hosted by the National Council on Aging, which included a panel of national experts.
Hear a recording or see the recap with resources shared that came up during the discussion.
- Age-Friendly Berkshires Responds to COVID-19
Age Friendly Berkshires is joining with regional partners to provide outreach to all Berkshire municipalities, nonprofits and community groups to provide them with information and connect them to available resources – including volunteer help, technical assistance and grants – that are being made available to help rural communities in the region rise to this health challenge. If you are located in the Berkshires and the coalition has NOT connected with you yet, please email agefriendlyberkshires@gmail.com.