Separating non-elderly handicapped/disabled housing from elderly housing
Impact
If enacted, H618 would amend Chapter 19D of the General Laws of Massachusetts. It specifically instructs that non-elderly handicapped or disabled individuals must reside in separate housing from elderly individuals. This could potentially lead to a reorganization of existing assisted living facilities and require significant changes in how such facilities are structured and operated. Supporters of the bill argue that this separation would enhance the quality of life and care for both groups by allowing services to be customized to their specific needs, thus improving overall living conditions.
Summary
House Bill H618 aims to mandate the separation of non-elderly handicapped and disabled individuals from elderly residents in assisted living facilities within Massachusetts. The proposed legislation is designed to create distinct housing facilities for those who are non-elderly and facing various disabilities, which include but are not limited to mental health issues and addiction. The intention behind this bill is to address the unique needs of both groups, enabling tailored care and support for the elderly population as well as the non-elderly handicapped individuals.
Contention
The legislation has sparked discussions regarding whether the separation of these demographics is beneficial or harmful. Advocates for the bill suggest it would minimize potential conflicts and misalignment of care strategies between different age groups. However, opponents raise concerns about exacerbating social isolation for non-elderly handicapped individuals and question whether such separation is necessary. Additionally, there are worries that this could lead to increased discrimination or stigmatization of disabled individuals and might affect their access to communal resources and support traditionally available within mixed-age facilities.
Similar To
Instructing the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to study the feasibility of absorbing oversight of all “memory care” assisted living facilities and units in the Commonwealth