Rep. Altrino urges creation of independent Office of Older Adult Advocate to coordinate services

Representative Steve Altrino told the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs that H.796, a bill to establish an Office of Older Adult Advocate, would give older Massachusetts residents “an independent person” to coordinate services and highlight system fragmentation.

Altrino said the advocate would be modeled on the Office of the Veterans’ Advocate and would not duplicate existing secretariats. “Think of the Office of the veteran advocates. It provides independence. It provides transparency and accountability without duplicating agencies’ work,” Altrino said, adding the position would help constituent services and policy‑makers identify duplications, gaps and opportunities across housing, health, labor and other secretariats.

The proposal would create an independent office to receive complaints, coordinate oversight across agencies, and make policy recommendations. Altrino suggested the advocate could report to the legislature or the governor, subject to statutory drafting, and said funding and staffing levels would need to be worked into the bill.

Senators and representatives on the panel expressed support for strengthening advocacy for older adults and asked whether the Secretariat for Elder Affairs should have a formal cabinet seat; Altrino agreed that elevating the secretary’s role could complement the advocate but said the proposed office should remain independent to provide an impartial policy voice.

Committee members asked about funding; Altrino said “that we would have to work into the bill” and acknowledged cost questions are a common concern. No committee vote was recorded; the testimony was presented as part of the hearing on aging‑related legislation and proponents asked the committee to report the bill favorably to allow further drafting.