Supporting Better Care for Substance Use in Long-Term Care

Since 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has been working alongside long-term care (LTC) providers to improve how we support residents living with substance use challenges, including access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). With support from the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this initiative has grown over time to meet the real needs of facilities, staff, residents, and families. On this page, you’ll find practical tools, training materials, and resources designed to make this work easier, more compassionate, and more effective in everyday care.

Materials

The Alcohol Use Disorder toolkit was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, through the Office of Healthcare Strategy and Planning and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. Funding was made possible by the Department of Public Health and the Attorney General's Office through the Long-Term Care Quality Improvement Fund

• Alcohol Use Disorder Toolkit 
• MOUD in LTC Toolkit (English and Spanish)
• Self-paced online training

Peer to Peer Trainings

• Establishing Relationships (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Safe Transitions (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Best Practices (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Addressing Stigma and Trauma Informed Care (PDF) | (DOCX)

Infographics

• Treatment Options for Stimulant Use Disorder in Long-Term Care Settings (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Understanding and Responding to Opioid and Stimulant Overdoses (PDF) | (DOCX)