Bailey and Furber: October brings awareness of long-term care rights
October is Residents’ Rights Month, an annual event designated by National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their homes or communities. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports.
Residents have the right to self-determination and to use their voice to make their own choices. This year’s Residents’ Rights Month theme, “The Power of My Voice,” emphasizes self-empowerment and recognizes the power of residents being vocal about their interests, personal growth and right to live full, enriching lives.
Please celebrate and acknowledge these rights by participating in Residents’ Rights Month events and calling on your elected officials, community members and local facilities to show their support by attending or organizing activities.
During Residents’ Rights Month, we recognize our local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program staff and volunteers, who work to promote residents’ rights, assist residents with complaints and provide information to those who need to find a long-term care facility. This program includes facility-assigned, community-based and volunteer ombudsmen, who work on a variety of resident rights in Delaware nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, group homes and the community. To contact the program, call 855-773-1002.
The Delaware Division of Health Care Quality, located within the Department of Health and Social Services, is responsible for protecting residents in long-term care facilities through promotion of quality of care, quality of life, safety and security, and enforcement of compliance with state and federal laws. To contact the division, call 877-453-0012.
In addition, the Delaware Nursing Home Residents Quality Assurance Commission is an advocacy group that monitors the quality assurance system in long-term care and assisted-living facilities as it relates to quality of care and quality of life for individuals who reside in the facilities. To contact the commission, email margaret.e.bailey@delaware.gov or call 302-824-2956.
Margaret Bailey
Executive director, Delaware Nursing Home
Residents Quality Assurance Commission
Lisa Furber
Chair, Delaware Nursing Home Residents Quality Assurance Commission
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
