To the Editor,
Every October, communities across the country recognize National Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month, honoring the 1.3 million individuals who live in nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential care settings, while bringing attention to the rights that protect them.
This observance is a reminder that residents deserve more than just basic care. The federal Nursing Home Reform Law guarantees a set of rights that promote dignity, choice, and a meaningful quality of life – rights that do not fade with age nor go away in a long-term care setting.
In celebration of this year’s theme, “Stand with Me,” the State Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman has launched the Ohio Residents’ Rights Council. This quarterly virtual forum will give more than 900 nursing home Resident Council presidents the opportunity to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas to strengthen life in long-term care communities.
As advocates for consumers of long-term care in nine north central Ohio counties, the Ohio District 5 Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is proud to support this effort. Our Ombudsmen advocate daily for residents by helping resolve complaints, educating and empowering individuals about their rights, and offering guidance to Ohioans seeking long-term care.
By combining local advocacy with a statewide consumer advocacy platform, this new Council will help to ensure that the perspectives of Ohio’s residents truly guide the future of long-term care.
The Ohio District 5 Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program sponsored by the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., is a free service that serves consumers in 95 long-term care facilities in the counties of Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot.
As we celebrate Residents’ Rights Month, I encourage neighbors, families, and community members to reach out to residents they know, participate in events, or consider becoming a volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
By actively supporting long-term care residents, we show them they are valued members of our community.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our assistance, please reach out to us at 1-800-860-5799 or e-mail us at ombudsmangroup@aaa5ohio.org
Sincerely,
Beverly Tatro
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Director
Ohio Dist. 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc.