Agency Resources

How ASAPs, SCO Plans, PACE Programs, and Other Payers Fit Into the Larger Massachusetts Care System

How to effectively engage the major organizations involved in care delivery and coordination across Massachusetts. These groups often serve the same populations, but they operate in distinct systems with their own requirements, funding structures, and contracting expectations.

How the Hospital to Home Partnership Program is easing hospital bottlenecks, supporting families, and keeping patients where they want to be — at home.

Massachusetts hospitals are facing historic discharge challenges. The Hospital to Home (H2H) Partnership Program is responding with a simple, effective solution: coordinated, community-based support that helps patients return home safely and avoid unnecessary institutional care. Here’s how it works — and why it matters.

Access practical care planning tools and conversation guides shared during the September 10 webinar from Honoring Choices Massachusetts and partners. Explore ready-to-use training, multilingual resources, and downloadable materials to help professionals and consumers navigate care decisions with confidence.

Explore free, reliable tools from Honoring Choices Massachusetts to help adults make informed health care decisions. Access multilingual planning guides, conversation tools, and downloadable forms to support care planning—from everyday choices to serious illness discussions. www.honoringchoicesmass.com

Understanding the HOPE Tool: Advancing Hospice Quality and Compliance

Support your teams with updated HOPE resources and a free CE webinar from ACHC and CAPC. ACHC has launched the new Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) resource hub, offering CMS tools, training, and a quick reference guide to support providers in the transition. Plus—join the free webinar with CAPC on October 30 at 1 PM EDT, offering 1.5 CE credits on strengthening community-based palliative care. Button text:

Clarifying the difference between Massachusetts’ PHCAST training and the federal standards required for Home Health Aide certification.

The PHCAST program offers valuable entry-level training for personal care and homemaker roles but does not meet the federal 75-hour requirement for Home Health Aide certification. Learn how PHCAST fits within Massachusetts’ home care workforce and what additional training is needed for HHA qualification.

Ensuring meaningful, up-to-date education for professionals serving LGBT older adults and caregivers.

Alternative LGBT cultural competency trainings must meet defined state standards, including expert-led instruction, current content, and a 60-minute minimum. Programs should focus on the lived experiences of LGBT older adults, practical skills for inclusive care, and organizational best practices that promote dignity and equity in aging services.

Avoiding "Baby Talk" Can Improve Caregiver-Patient Relationships and Enhance Patient Dignity

Elderspeak, often seen as "baby talk," can unintentionally undermine the confidence and autonomy of older adults. Learn why it’s crucial for home care providers to communicate respectfully and effectively, and discover best practices to ensure your approach fosters dignity and trust.