Alliance member Elizabeth Kleber, Chief Operating Officer of VNA Care, recently authored a compelling guest column in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette highlighting the growing importance of home health and hospice care as Massachusetts’ population ages and long-term care capacity continues to shrink.

In the piece, Kleber underscores that since 2020, Massachusetts has lost 34 nursing facilities and more than 3,500 beds—making home-based care not just a preference, but a necessity. She describes how home health clinicians support older adults through winter weather and holiday disruptions, helping patients manage chronic conditions, avoid unnecessary emergency room visits, and remain safely at home. Kleber also highlights hospice care’s critical role in providing comfort, dignity, and support for both patients and families during life’s most difficult moments.

Through real patient stories and local examples, the column reinforces what Alliance members see every day: home health and hospice providers are essential partners in keeping people healthy, independent, and connected to their loved ones. Her message elevates the field’s value at a time when policymakers, communities, and families are searching for sustainable solutions to meet rising demand for care at home.

If you’re interested in lending your voice—through op-eds, letters to the editor, or direct outreach—sign up for advocacy alerts on our website or reach out to Jake Krilovich to get involved.