Long-Term Care Residents Honored During Residents’ Rights Month, October 2012

 

My Voice, My Vote, My Right

Residents of Hamilton Continuing Care Center enjoy  
 a game of Residents’ Rights Bingo as OOIE  staff Amy Brown 
and Deirdre Mraw facilitate the game.

Residents' Rights Month is an annual event designated by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care.  It is celebrated in October to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, sub-acute units, assisted living, and board and care and retirement communities. It is a time for celebration and recognition offering an opportunity for every facility to focus on and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect and the value of each individual resident.

Resident Regina Matyi of Hamilton Continuing 
Care Center smiles after winning a OOIE 
gift basket during Residents’ Rights Bingo.

The theme for this year - “My Voice, My Vote, My Right” - focuses on the right of seniors living in long-term care settings to vote.

The Nursing Home Reform Law, passed in 1987, guarantees nursing home residents their individual rights, including but not limited to: individualized care, respect, dignity, the right to visitation, the right to privacy, the right to complain, and the right to make independent choices. Residents’ Rights Month raises awareness about these rights and pays tribute to the unique contributions of long-term residents.

OOIE will be facilitating Residents’ Rights celebrations in several New Jersey long-term care communities throughout the month.   Events will consist of games and discussions regarding resident-focused topics like knowing their rights, elder abuse, advance care planning and healthy aging.  This month highlights the importance of listening to and empowering New Jersey residents who live in our state’s nursing homes, assisted living and board and care communities.