For Immediate Release:
October 1, 2009

Contact:
Kit Wagar
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

On The Road for Residents’ Rights

A Missouri program hits the road from Oct. 2 through 9 to focus attention on the rights of people in nursing homes and other residential care facilities.

The road trip – featuring singers, musicians, storytellers and speeches by community leaders – will stop in seven cities:  Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Hannibal, Chesterfield, Springfield, Cameron and Raytown.

The effort is part of Residents’ Rights Week, an annual, nationwide event designated by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. The week highlights the right of long-term care residents to make choices about their treatment, to complain without fear of retaliation, and to be treated with respect and dignity.

During the weeklong celebration, the Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will offer residents a platform to be heard. About 54,000 people live in Missouri’s long-term care facilities. Residents will have the opportunity to talk about how important it is for anyone – no matter how sick or frail – to have control and choices in life.

“People living in long-term care can be overlooked,” said Carol Scott, state ombudsman for long-term care residents.  “Their voices may not be heard. This celebration gives them a chance to get together with other residents and show how they are still part of a community.”

Gov. Jay Nixon has issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 4 through 10 as Residents’ Rights Week in Missouri. 

Kansas City singer Kareen King is one of many entertainers scheduled to perform during the festivities, and also works as a nursing home activity director.  The lyrics in her songs, featured in the CD The Person in the Picture Ain’t Me, come from the words of nursing home residents.  One song asks:

                  Why don’t you notice me?
                  I have a history
                  I used to dance and play
                  And work each day like you.
                  I’m more than my wrinkled skin.
                  There’s a person that lies within.
                                                       
State dignitaries will also be part of the celebration. In Jefferson City, for example, Margaret Donnelly, director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, will speak Oct. 5 in the Governor’s Office Building.  So will Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr.

A list of residents’ rights events follows.

For more information about Residents’ Rights Week or opportunities to serve as a volunteer ombudsman, call the Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program toll-free at 1-800-309-3282, or visit http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ombudsman/.
                                                                   

Editor’s note: The major events marking Residents Rights Week are listed below:
Residents' Rights Celebrations Oct. 2 through 9, 2009
 

October 2, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

         Abbey Road Church
         2411 Abbey Road
         Cape Girardeau, MO  63701-1523
         Entertainer:  Chris Scherrer, singer
         Speakers: Loretta Schneider, Cape Girardeau City Council Member; Rep. Clint Tracy

October 5, 2009, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

         Governor’s Office Building, Rm. 450
         200 Madison Street
         Jefferson City, MO  65101-3254
         Entertainment:  Joyce and Chuck Chorpening, singers
         Speakers:  Margaret T. Donnelly, director of Department of Health and Senior Services; Brenda Campbell, director of  Division of Senior and Disability Services,          Department of Health and Senior Services; Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr

October 6, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

         West County Assembly of God
         13431 North Outer 40 Road
         Chesterfield, MO 63017
         Entertainment:  B.J. Davis, singer and storyteller
         Speaker:  Mary Collier, Regional Manager, Section for Long-Term Care Regulation, Department of Health and Senior Services

October 6, 2009, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

         Hannibal Nutrition Center
         219 South 10th Street
         Hannibal, MO  63401-4210
         Entertainment:  B.J. Davis, singer and storyteller
         Speakers:  Mayor Roy Hark; Senator Wes Shoemyer; Rep. Tom Shivley; Pam Windtberg, Director, Northeast Area Agency on Aging

October 7, 2009, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

         St. John’s Cancer Center
         2055 S. Fremont Ave.
         Springfield, MO 65804-2206
         Entertainment:  Barbershop Quartet, part of Show-Me Statesman Chorus
         Speakers:  Councilman Bob Stephens; Rep. Charlie Norr (invited)

October 8, 2009, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

         Cameron Methodist Church
         201 N. Pine Street
         Cameron, MO  64429-1604
         Entertainment:  Singing Veterans from the Missouri Veterans Home

October 9, 2009, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

         First Baptist Church of Raytown
         10500 East State Route 350 Hwy.
         Raytown, MO  64138-1811
         Entertainer:  Kareen King, singer/songwriter