Joint Committee on Aging and Independence Holds First Hearing of the Session on Home Care, Councils of Aging, Financial Literacy and LGBTQ Aging

(BOSTON) – The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, chaired by Representative Thomas Stanley (D-Waltham) and Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), held its first hearing of the 2025–2026 legislative session today, taking testimony on several proposals aimed at strengthening home care services and consumer protections, modernizing the Councils on Aging statute, and expanding access to inclusive, person-centered care for older adults across Massachusetts.

“It was great to kick off the session with such thoughtful testimony on how we can better support older adults in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Stanley. “Whether it’s improving home care, making services more inclusive, or empowering Councils on Aging to continue to offer their vital programs, these bills reflect what we’re hearing from communities — and I’m looking forward to moving this work forward together.”

“It’s an honor to co-chair the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence with Representative Tom Stanley once again,” said Sen. Jehlen. “It was great to kick off our first hearing of the session with familiar bills, including some priority legislation such as the home care licensure bill.  I believe it is more important than ever to work together with colleagues and advocates to ensure the health and wellbeing of older people and their caregivers across the Commonwealth.”

“As one of the folks providing testimony this morning said, ‘we are all aging,’” said House Vice Chair Samantha Montaño (D – Boston). “This statement frames the work to be done this session, and I look forward to crafting licensed standards for Home Care in service of a stronger and cared for Commonwealth. Without an intergenerational community we all suffer.”

“After passing such a monumental oversight bill last session to transform our long-term care sector, I am eager to get back to work and continue to improve the lives our Commonwealth’s older residents. It is an honor to serve as the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence again this session alongside Chair Jehlen and Chair Stanley,” said Senate Vice Chair John Velis (D-Westfield). “This session, the charge of the committee is particularly critical as we work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our older residents, and those living on a fixed income, who have been hit hardest by the affordability crisis.”

The Committee heard testimony on the following proposals:

H789/S470: An Act to improve Massachusetts home care would establish a licensure process for home care agencies, implementing recommendations from the 2021 Home Care Licensing Commission report. Massachusetts is one of just a few states that does not already have such a process. With growing demand for home care, the legislation aims to increase transparency and consumer protection while also supporting home care workers.

H765/S487: An Act relative to councils on aging would update the statute governing local Councils on Aging (COAs) to allow COA Executive Directors to hire staff and remove outdated, ageist language. The bill is a priority of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, which has emphasized the evolution of COAs into more professional and expansive service providers instead of exclusively volunteer-based organizations.

H778/S473: An Act relative to the commission on LGBTQ aging would rename the existing LGBT Aging Commission to the Special Commission on Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Adults and Their Caregivers. The updated name better reflects the identities of those the Commission serves and promotes greater inclusivity in policymaking and service delivery.

H777/S471: An Act supporting seniors’ financial stability would direct the State Treasurer to collaborate with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, AARP Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Councils on Aging to develop a financial literacy curriculum tailored to older adults. The goal is to increase financial stability and awareness of long-term services and supports (LTSS) planning.

S484: An Act relative to reserving beds in nursing homes during certain leaves of absence would require MassHealth to reimburse nursing facilities to hold a resident’s bed during temporary absences. It allows for holds up to 20 days per hospital visit and up to 10 days per year for nonmedical leave, helping to ensure that residents can return to the same facility after short periods of time away.

A full recording of the hearing is available online: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5120.