The 76 Rest Home’s throughout Massachusetts, including the Brookhouse Home have served our communities well during this ongoing pandemic. The public, the families and our staff and residents all appreciate how we have handled this crisis.
Expanding roles during a pandemic
Prior to the pandemic Rest Homes did not have to do infectious disease testing, procure personal protective equipment, or lockdown facilities for the health and safety of our residents and staff. Rest homes have done extremely well during this pandemic at controlling the spread. During this time, our own roles and jobs in the home have changed and expanded. We now are involved in every aspect of fighting this pandemic and Rest Homes should be applauded for their actions and results to date.
Focus on care and viglilance
Based on information from Dr.Fauci, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Office of Governor Charlie Baker, nursing home and rest home residents are all in the high-risk category based on their age and underlying medical conditions. Here at Brookhouse, we are performing with the same care and vigilance as the larger skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities.
Addressing a disparity
Rest Homes have accepted the same tasks and are satisfying the same requirements as Skilled Nursing Facilities even though there is a wide disparity in the money allocated to our state’s Rest Homes by comparison. Rest Homes are also lobbying to have their own set of regulations, and not be confused with Skilled Nursing Facilities.
We are making progress towards that goal.
Seeking adequate compensation
Our Brookhouse Home community and other Massachusetts Rest Homes are continuing talks with Massachusetts Department of Public Health and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure Rest Homes are compensated adequately by the Commonwealth for the care they provide to the aged, infirm, and indigent population of Massachusetts. We plan to remain vigilant in our mission to provide a safe and comfortable environment for senior women, more than ever during this pandemic.
