October is National Long-Term Care Resident Rights Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2014
CONTACT: Volunteer Ombudsman Program
1-800-815-0015
October is National Long-Term Care Resident Rights Month
October is National Resident Rights Month, a time to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices that many long-term care residents have made in order to better our communities and to call attention to the rights of residents living in nursing homes.
As we come near an election, let’s call attention to the fact that residents of nursing homes still have the right to vote and participate politically. Residents of long-term care facilities have experienced many important and historic political events. It is important to reassure them of their right to participate in the political process and to bring their invaluable body of experience to the political discourse. These citizens must know that voting is a right to which they are entitled despite their age or living arrangements.
In listening to the long-term care residents’ voices, we honor their lives, experiences and wisdom and we treat them with dignity and respect. The fact that a person lives in a nursing home does not alter their guarantee of the complete set of human and civil rights as laid out in our U.S. Constitution, the Wisconsin Constitution and the statutes and common laws of our state. These rights include the rights to associate, speak their mind, be politically active, vote, all of the additional rights that apply to all citizens of our nation.
During Resident Rights Month, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care is reaching out to those who might wish to become an advocate for residents in nursing homes. If you would like to become a Volunteer Ombudsman, call our toll free line at 1-800-815-0015. Make a positive difference in your community!
Karen Price
Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator
LaCrosse Region
