I am very concerned about the recent tragic death of a senior citizen and code violations at Golden Pond in Hopkinton. I am in regular contact with Hopkinton officials and the state about what has been transpiring these past several weeks. Hopkinton Public Health and Public Safety have been very responsive and likely saved many lives. I will continue to monitor through appropriate channels that facility management addresses the code violations; however, if problems persist, or if you want to share your recent experience you should also contact the AGE [Executive Office of Aging & Independence] hotline at the state. You can call AGE 24/7 Protective Services Hotline any time to report extreme heat or cold (or any form of caregiver neglect) — phone 800-922-2275. There is also an online option if you prefer not to call, you can file a report online at mass.gov/info-details/report-abuse-of-adults-aged-60#how-to-report-online.

In addition to filing a formal complaint with AGE, feel free to also call my office (617-722-2810) or send a copy to my email james.arena-derosa@mahouse.gov. At the state level, I am already working with the chairs of the Committee on Public Health and Committee on Elder Affairs to review what happened and potential remedies. Over time, a new type of living arrangement for seniors has evolved. We used to have senior housing as well as nursing home/health care facilities for seniors. As this new type of residence with mixed services has emerged, I am looking at filing legislation that would explore whether the state should give local public health [officials] more investigative purview. I am also looking to ensure that when residents complain to their local health department, anything local officials then relay and report to AGE/the commonwealth is treated as a formal complaint. When we are entrusting the care of ourselves and loved ones to private entities, we deserve to know that appropriate oversight and accountability are in place to ensure the highest quality of care.

— James Arena-DeRosa, state representative

Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking sponsors or volunteers. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions for the print edition, click here.