October is “Residents’ Rights Month,” an annual event designated by Consumer Voice to honor residents living in all longterm care facilities. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect, and the rights of each resident.
The federal Nursing Home Reform Law guarantees residents’ rights and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity, choice, and self-determination. The law also requires nursing homes to “promote and protect the rights of each resident.” Residents’ Rights Month is a time to raise awareness of these rights and celebrate residents.
This year’s theme, Stand for Quality, emphasizes the importance of quality in all aspects of residents’ experiences – quality care, quality of life, quality services, and quality choices – to name a few. Residents’ Rights Month is an opportunity for staff, families, ombudsman programs, residents and other advocates to work together to stand for and promote quality longterm care.
Please give Cherrie Nutley, SWODA Area Agency on Aging ombudsman supervisor, a call at 580-562-5032 if you have questions.