For Immediate Release:
October 3, 2005
Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062
Missouri Celebrates Nursing Home Residents' Rights Week
Most of us take for granted the right to make choices about what to eat, when to bathe, or what activities to participate in. But for the 55,000 residents in Missouri's long-term care facilities, these rights and a host of others were not guaranteed until the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law.
Residents' Rights Week Oct. 2 - Oct. 8, 2005, celebrates the unique contribution of long-term care residents nationwide and raises awareness about these rights. Almost 3 million people live in long-term care facilities. “I want to urge all Missouri citizens to join in this important observation,” said Carol Scott, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
"It's an excellent opportunity to re-affirm our collective commitment to residents and to honor them,” said Scott. “I strongly encourage the community to participate in Residents' Rights Week activities and visit residents who continue to be important to our communities and society.”
This year's theme, Together We Can: Achieve Resident Directed Care , emphasizes the importance of affirming these rights through facility practices, public policy, and resident-centered decision-making. “ Members of the long-term care community nationwide and statewide will commemorate the week by holding special events that emphasize the residents' right to self-determination, autonomy, dignity and quality care," said Scott.
For more information, contact the Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-800-309-3282.
Helpful websites on Long-Term Care:
For information about long-term care, go to www.medicare.gov, the Official U.S. Government Medicare Site, and click on Nursing Home Compare.