Harry is joined by Jim Lomastro to discuss the state of long-term care and nursing homes, particularly focusing on the differences between the systems in Massachusetts and Canada. Jim shares his extensive experience working with the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and his observations about the superior quality and regulatory rigor of Canadian facilities. Key issues discussed include systemic deficiencies in U.S. nursing homes, the impact of governance structures, and potential lessons from the Canadian model for U.S. policymakers. The episode also explores recent legislative changes in Massachusetts and provides recommendations for seniors and their families.

Topics

01:47 Comparing Long-Term Care in the US and Canada

03:04 Experiences and Observations in Canadian Facilities

03:26 Challenges in US Nursing Homes

05:46 Differences in Regulatory Approaches

09:05 New Legislation in Massachusetts

12:45 Financial Struggles and Facility Conditions

14:30 Public vs. Private Facilities

16:49 Nonprofits and For-Profit Entities in Healthcare

18:10 Impact of Budget Cuts on Medicare and Medicaid

19:27 Comparing Healthcare Systems: US vs Canada

22:17 Recommendations for Policymakers

25:17 Advice for Baby Boomers

26:46 The Future of Elder Care

29:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts