June 27, 2024
June 27, 2024
Cooley Dickinson Hospital, through a collaboration with Highland Valley Elder Services, will benefit from a nearly $200,000 grant that aims to expand the state’s hospital to home program.
The funds, announced by the governor’s office earlier this month, will be used to provide specialized expertise to Cooley Dickinson Hospital that will support discharges directly to a patient’s home, rather than to a skilled nursing facility or other long-term care setting.
“These funds will be a huge benefit to our patients, hospital, and the community,” said Susan Pierce, senior manager of case management at Cooley Dickinson. “Not only will more patients be able to return directly home, instead of being sent to a skilled facility, but we will also be able to discharge them faster – allowing greater access to other members of the community who need their beds.”
The money is intended for Highland Valley Elder Services to hire personnel who work onsite with Cooley Dickinson, to connect patients and their families with resources and services that ensure appropriate supports are put into place in their homes upon discharge. The grant money was part of $1.1 million in awards announced this month for acute care hospitals and Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs), like Highland Valley Elder Services, across Massachusetts.
“This grant provides community-based organizations, such as Highland Valley Elder Services, an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with hospital systems and assure patients receive a well-coordinated discharge plan that supports their needs in community-based settings”, said Valerie D’Aquisto, associate director of programs and services at Highland Valley Elder Services.
There are 24 regional ASAPs throughout Massachusetts that provide programs and services designed specifically to support older adults in the community. The organizations provide support and assistance with home care options, food security, housing, financial wellness, transportation, and safety, among others.
“More patients should be able to recover and receive care within the comfort of their homes and communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through these partnerships, patients will have the support they need to return to their community and continue receiving care, improving health outcomes and alleviating pressure on hospital resources and staff.”
Funding for the grant was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.
