From Executive Director Dan O'Leary

Strong leadership is never more important than during a time of change. In this current year, as we work to implement the promise that the Equal Choice legislation holds, we need decisive leadership from the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA). Last week Governor Patrick answered this need with the appointment of longtime elder advocate Michael Festa, currently a state representative for Melrose and Wakefield, to the position of Secretary of EOEA.

Representative Festa is certainly no stranger to area elders. Representative Festa has been a champion of elders for his entire legislative career. With the belief that elders should have the right to live in the least restrictive setting as possible, Representative Festa has steadfastly worked to provide options for elders in the community.

Representative Festa was an early proponent of the Community Choices program that enables elders to receive a breadth of home care services rather than being forced into a nursing home. The program has helped thousands of elders remain living in their own homes. Last year, the previously mentioned Equal Choice legislation was passed, mandating that elders who are in state-funded programs have the choice of receiving care at home or in a long-term care facility. Representative Festa worked for many years on this legislation and elders across the state will be the beneficiaries of his dedication.

This is an exciting time for elders in Massachusetts. Never before have they had as many choices available to them. And, they deserve choice. Elders have given tremendously to our society and they should have the ability to grow older in a place of their choosing.