FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2011

Partners HealthCare at Home – Private Care
Receives New Home Care Accreditation

Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts Sets Quality and Business Standards

[Waltham, MA] Partners Health Care at Home – Private Care, a private-pay home care agency that serves Eastern Massachusetts, is among the first in the state to earn accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts. The Alliance, which represents 190 home health and elder care agencies across Massachusetts, created this accreditation to establish standards for seniors and families seeking quality in-home services to help them remain in their homes. This growing market in the home care arena lacks meaningful licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts even while it grows in popularity.

“This accreditation is a reflection of our commitment to quality,” said Arthur St. Germain, vice president, Private Care, Partners HealthCare at Home. “When people decide to hire caregivers for themselves or their loved ones, we know it is an important decision. They need to trust who they invite into their homes and this recognition will help them do so.”

This accreditation assesses an agency’s performance in 14 standards such as client rights, maintaining privacy, criminal background checks, fair employment practices, and training and supervision.

“We wanted to provide leadership for an area that is becoming more and more important to the health care delivery system in Massachusetts,” said Patricia Kelleher, executive director of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts. “These standards highlight our agencies’ best practices, and will help guide members of the public as they choose who will take care of their loved ones in their homes.”

The Home Care Alliance launched this Accreditation Program for Private Pay agencies (agencies that are not paid by Medicare or Medicaid) in July, 2010. Agencies seeking accreditation are required to submit documentation to show that they meet standards established by the Alliance.

About Partners HealthCare at Home:
Partners HealthCare at Home – Private Care has provided in-home support services to clients in more than 200 towns throughout Eastern Massachusetts for more than 30 years. Services range from nurses who manage chronic illnesses or recovery from surgery, to assistance with bathing, help with chores, and companionship. Services paid for out of pocket. Member of Partners HealthCare, founded by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Try our in-home service finder at www.partnersprivatecare.org.

About the Home Care Alliance:
With a mission to unite people and organizations to advance community health through care and services in the home, the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts is a non-profit trade association and advocacy group providing representation, education, communication, advocacy and – ultimately – a voice for the state’s home health industry. Founded in 1969, the Alliance has grown to represent more than 170 home care and home health agencies across the state. For more information, visit www.thinkhomecare.org.