October is National Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Month

October is National Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Month, a time to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices many long-term care residents have made to better our community and to call attention to the rights in long-term care facilities. This year's theme -- My Vote Matters -- was selected to call attention to the fact that consumers receiving long-term care services retain their voting rights no matter where they live or what type of care they receive. It is important that they are given the opportunity to continue to participate in the political process and that voting is made accessible to them.

By listening to residents' voices, we honor their lives and experiences as well as treat them with dignity and respect; staff and residents can enjoy relationships that enhance their day-to-day lives; and the long-term care facility can operate more effectively in its daily activities when based on and developed with resident involvement.

Celebrate and acknowledge these rights by participating in Residents' Rights Month events and calling on your elected officials and local facilities to show their support by attending or organizing activities.

During Residents' Rights Month we recognize our local long-term care Ombudsman staff and volunteers, who work daily to promote resident's rights, assist residents with complaints and provide information to those who need to find a long-term care facility.

If you would like to learn more about the Ombudsman Program or become an Ombudsman Volunteer, contact Jan McFerron, Region 2 Ombudsman Director, at 573-335-3331 or 1-800-392-8771.

Jan McFerron, Cape Girardeau