BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)–The Massachusetts Home Care program is expecting a fiscal deficit this year, which could leave some elderly people without care.
The population of elderly people in Massachusetts is rapidly growing, and so is the demand for in-home care for people who want to stay in their own homes, but need more help. State funding for home care goes to expenses such as dementia day care, chore services, companion services, personal care, transportation, and more.
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As a result, the Home Care program is on track to finish the year in a tens of millions dollar deficit. Advocates say that at least one state-funded elder care service could run out of money by February, and others could run out by late spring.
Westfield Senator John Velis is the Vice Chair of the Elder Affairs Committee, and he says this issue is a priority for western Massachusetts.
“I am particularly concerned about this issue and the impact it may have on older adults…more people are choosing to pursue services that allow them to age in place than in previous years,” said Velis.