DEAR EDITOR:

Every October, communities across the country recognize National Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month, honoring the 1.3 million individuals who live in nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential care settings, while raising awareness of the rights that protect them.

This observance serves as a reminder that residents deserve more than basic care. Under the Federal Nursing Home Reform Law, residents are guaranteed rights that uphold dignity, choice, and a meaningful quality of life — rights that do not diminish with age.

In celebration of this year’s theme, “Stand with Me,” the State Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman has launched the Ohio Residents’ Rights Council. This quarterly virtual forum provides more than 900 nursing home resident council presidents the opportunity to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas to strengthen life in long-term care communities.

Here in our Valley, The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program with Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is proud to support this effort. Each day, our ombudsmen advocate for residents by resolving complaints, educating individuals about their rights, and providing information to Ohioans seeking long-term care. By uniting local advocacy with a statewide platform, the new council ensures that the voices of Ohio’s residents will help shape the future of long-term care.

Our program serves Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties, covering more than 140 long-term care facilities. For more information, contact our office at 1-800-589-5826. As our community celebrates Residents’ Rights Month, I encourage neighbors, families, and community members to connect with residents, attend local events, and consider becoming a volunteer long-term care ombudsman. By supporting long-term care residents, we affirm that they are respected, valued and essential members of our community.

THERESA KNAPIK

Director of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Direction Home of Eastern Ohio

Youngstown