COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF VETERANS’ SERVICES
600 Washington Street, 7th floor
Boston, MA 02111
TEL: (617) 210-5480 FAX: (617) 210-5755 TTY: (617) 210-5883
www.mass.gov/veterans
MAURA T. HEALEY JON SANTIAGO, MD, MPH
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
October 8, 2024
Steven T. James
House Clerk
State House, Room 145
Boston, MA 02133
Michael D. Hurley
Senate Clerk
State House, Room 335
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Clerk James and Clerk Hurley,
Pursuant to Section 41 of Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws, please find enclosed a
report submitted by the Veterans Homes Council.
Sincerely,
Jon Santiago
CC:
Secretary Kate Walsh, Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Senator Michael Rodrigues, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Representative Aaron Michlewitz, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Senator John Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Representative Gerard Cassidy, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Senator Julian Cyr, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health
Representative Marjorie Decker, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health
 Maura T. Healey Governor
Kimberley Driscoll Lieutenant Jon Santiago, MD, MPH
Governor Secretary
Veterans Homes
Council Annual
Report
September 2024
 Massachusetts Veterans Home Council Annual Report
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview & Current Initiatives
(A) Census and Demographics
(B) Revenues Received and Expended
(C) Recommendations
(D) Staffing Levels
(E) Grievances and Resolutions
(F) Regional Equity and Access Recommendations
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Introduction
Pursuant to Section 41 of Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Veterans Homes Council
must submit an annual report:
“The report shall include: (A) the census and demographics of each state-operated veterans’ home; (B)
an accounting of all revenues received and expended; (C) any recommendations for improvements to
the homes; (D) a description of staffing levels at each home and a determination as to whether staffing
levels meet industry standards; (E) a list of complaints, charges or recommendations from patients,
family members and guardians and corresponding actions taken; (F) recommendations to increase
regional equity and accessibility and to provide for equitable access for people of all identities including,
but not limited to, race, religion, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation; and (G) all other matters
the council considers pertinent. The council shall consider in its reports the needs of the changing
veteran population in the commonwealth, including, but not limited to, service-related injuries, mental
health and gender related needs. This report shall be submitted to the governor, the clerks of the house
of representatives and senate, and the joint committee on veterans and federal affairs annually and not
later than September 30.”
Overview of the Massachusetts Veterans Homes & Current Initiatives
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts operates two Veterans homes: the Massachusetts Veterans
Home at Chelsea and the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke, which are collectively referred to
in this report as the “Homes.” The Homes focus primarily on providing two major services for
Massachusetts veterans: long-term care (i.e., nursing facility) and domiciliary residential
services (i.e., room accommodations, daily meals, and social services). Both Homes have a five-
member Board of Trustees, each appointed to a seven-year term. The Homes’ mission is to provide
services and care to Massachusetts veterans with dignity, honor, and respect.
Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea
Earlier this year, the MVH at Chelsea moved all long-term care residents into a brand new, state-of-
the-art facility based on the latest model recommended by the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs. This move is consistent with Chelsea’s continued focus on improving the overall quality of life
and sense of well-being for our veterans through quality care, interactive activities, and programs
that foster connection and community. One current initiative is increasing access to safe and secure
outdoor spaces for veterans to relax and enjoy fresh air with their fellow veterans and family.
The MVH at Chelsea also achieved Massachusetts Department of Public Health licensure and Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services certification this year. This significant accomplishment was the
result of collaborative work with the staff at MVH Chelsea and leadership at the Executive Office of
Veterans Services. Staff at MVH Chelsea enhanced their understanding of and compliance with strict
and rigorous regulatory standards and implemented new policies and procedures.
The MVH at Chelsea has been focused on internal enhancements for operational efficiency,
veteran quality of care, and daily quality of life. The MVH at Chelsea is beginning a major initiative to
increase operational efficiency and quality of care by implementing a modern electronic medical
record (EMR) system, which will support coordinated patient care and ease administrative burdens. The
current is goal is to implement in the EMR in the MVH at Chelsea starting in November 2024. In addition
to operational efficiency, the MVH at Chelsea is enhancing its quality of care by expanding its Quality
Assurance and 3
Performance Improvement program. This program involves identifying opportunities for improvement in
areas of clinical care, resident satisfaction, and staff performance. Lastly, staff at MVH Chelsea is currently
exploring enhancements to the dining experience for our veterans by utilizing the new facility’s amenities
and capabilities to create a more personalized and enjoyable dining environment.
The domiciliary campus at the MVH Chelsea is also undergoing significant investment and evolution. The
MVH at Chelsea domiciliary campus is being redeveloped through a public-private partnership with
Pennrose, LLC. The project will result in a complete renovation of the domiciliary campus and the creation
of approximately 240 100% veterans’ preference affordable housing. The plan accommodates all current
domiciliary residents into the new housing units and will offer new, state-of-the-art living quarters for
veterans.
Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke
Earlier this year, the Healey Driscoll administration celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, state-of-the-
art long-term care facility at Holyoke. MVH at Holyoke is in the process of constructing this new
replacement facility with $263.5 million in federal funding from the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs and $141.9 million in funding from the Commonwealth. With the support of the Department of
Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), the building is in the steel infrastructure phase
which is expected to be completed in November. A “Topping Off” ceremony is being planned, which will
celebrate the last beam being put in place. Veterans and staff will be able to sign this last beam before it
is raised and added to the building. The new building remains on schedule for occupancy in 2026. Recent
capital repairs to MVH at Holyoke included work to the roof and façade.
The MVH at Holyoke has taken several positive steps to augment quality of care, operational efficiency,
and staff recruitment and retention. The first major achievement is securing Massachusetts Department
of Public Health licensure as a long-term care provider in July 2024. This accomplishment was the result
of collaborative work with the staff at MVH Holyoke and leadership at the Executive Office of Veterans
Services. Staff at MVH Holyoke enhanced their understanding of and compliance with strict and rigorous
regulatory standards and implemented new policies and procedures. MVH Holyoke will be pursuing
certification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the coming year.
MVH Holyoke has also enhanced operational efficiency by begin implementing the modern electronic
medical record system in September 2024. This system will support coordinated patient care and ease
administrative burdens. EOVS leadership is actively engaged in support MVH Holyoke’s implementation.
MVH Holyoke has also taken initiative to increase veteran quality of life through miscellaneous activities
and enrichment events through the Employee Activities Committee. This is a long-standing committee
that plans activities outside of the Home, including attending baseball games, events at various lodges
and posts, and other off campus events. These excursions improve the overall quality of life and sense of
well-being for our veterans through interactive activities and programs to foster connection, community,
and a sense of belonging. A current initiative is to increase access to safe and secure outdoor spaces to
relax and enjoy the fresh air with their fellow veterans and family. A newer Employee Engagement
Committee plans events works to make a day in the life of a staff member a little easier, including
arranging for food trucks for staff, and food and school supply drives.
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Census and Demographics:
Massachusetts Veteran Homes at Chelsea
The table below summarizes the total long-term care and domiciliary populations at the MVH at Chelsea
as of June 30, 2024. Over the last year, the long-term care facility had 40 admissions, 13 discharges and a
waiting list of 117 while the domiciliary had 10 admissions, 19 discharges and 0 veterans on the waiting
list.
Long-Term Care Domiciliary Totals
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
WWII 4 4% 0 0% 4 2%
Korea 22 20% 1 1% 23 11%
Vietnam 64 59% 50 46% 114 52%
Lebanon 4 4% 1 1% 5 2%
Grenada 0 0% 1 1% 1 0%
Persian Gulf 2 2% 21 19% 23 11%
Iraq/Afghanistan 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%
Peace Time 13 12% 35 32% 48 22%
Total 109 109 218
Men 106 97% 100 206 94%
Women 3 3% 9 12 6%
Long-Term Care Domiciliary
Number Percent Number Percent
95 and over 8 7% 0 0
90 – 94 19 17% 0 0
80 – 89 25 23% 13 12%
70 – 79 41 38% 40 37%
60 – 69 15 14% 38 35%
Less than 60 1 1% 18 17%
Total 109 109
Long Term Care Domiciliary
Caucasian 107 81
African American 2 19
American Indian 1
Hispanic 7
Pacific Islands 1
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Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke
The table below summarizes the total long-term care populations at the MVH at Holyoke as of June 30,
2024. Over the last year, the long-term care facility had 47 admissions, 37 discharges and a waiting list of
97 for long-term care.
Long-Term Care
Number Percent
WWII 10 28%
Korea 28 23%
Vietnam 71 61%
Lebanon 0 0
Grenada 0 0
Persian Gulf 1 1%
Iraq/Afghanistan 0 0
Peace Time 7 6%
Total 117
Men 113 97%
Women 4 3%
Long-Term Care
Number Percent
90 and over 38 32%
80 – 89 46 40%
70 – 79 29 25%
60 – 69 4 3%
Less than 60 0 0
Total 117
Long Term Care Domiciliary
Caucasian 114 97%
African American 3 3%
American Indian 1
Hispanic 7
Pacific Islands 1
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Revenues Received and Expended:
Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea
The MVH at Chelsea received an appropriation of $52 million in FY2024 which includes staffing of 400 FTE
and revenue of $10.5 million.
Appropriation Number Appropration Name FY 24 GAA
4190-0010 Administration and Operations 51,351,027
4180-1100 Retained Revenue 600,000
Total $ 51,951,027
Revenue Source Revenue Source Description FY 24 GAA
3504 Reimb - Blue Cross Blue Shield 1,506
3505 Reimb - Other Insurance 3,616
3506 Reimb - Direct Patient Payer 1,326,238
3508 Free Meals 25,000
3545 Reimb - Medicare Part D 108,347
4531 Sale of Special Plates 600,000
5203 Medicare Reimbursement 12,668
5204 VA Per Diem Domiciliary Care 2,256,336
5205 VA Per Diem Long Term Care 6,137,150
6900 Miscellaneous 30,000
Total $ 10,500,861
Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke
The MVH at Holyoke received an appropriation of $30 million in FY2024 which includes staffing of 356 FTE
and revenue of $6.7 million.
Appropriation Number Appropration Name FY 24 GAA
4190-0010 Administration and Operations 28,728,578
4190-0103 Canteen Retained Revenue 50,000
4190-0300 12 Bed Retained Revenue 824,198
4180-1100 Retained Revenue 400,000
Total $ 30,002,776
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Revenue Source Revenue Source Description FY 24 GAA
3505 Reimb - Other Insurance 1,677
3506 Reimb - Direct Patient Payer 685,500
3508 Free Meals 30,000
3545 Reimb - Medicare Part D 76,985
4000 Occupancy/Rent Fees 75,000
4033 Agent Rental Service Fee 1,500
4500 Miscellaneous Sales