It’s officially October which means we are celebrating Residents’ Rights Month! This is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, take a few extra steps to advocate, and empower residents to use their voice and speak up for their right to live a comfortable, full, and enriching life. This month, we’d like to focus on some key information you need to know to protect and advocate for yourself and loved ones. To kick it off, we’d love to encourage residents to use their voices.
The Power of My Voice
The 2024 Residents’ Rights Month theme is The Power of My Voice. This theme is an incredibly important way to look at Residents’ Rights Month, because it’s not just about third-party advocates and policy makers, it’s about giving residents the knowledge and power to advocate for themselves and tell their story.
Additionally, through residents’ stories, we get a glimpse into real life scenarios and can have a more well-rounded approach to solving problems. Residents’ ability to tell their own stories is also a great way to build community and an opportunity for residents to show the world that they are so much more than just a resident; they are people with amazing talents, stories, abilities, desires, and lives who deserve to age with dignity and respect.
Use Your Voice
If you are a long-term care resident, or if you know a resident, please consider participating in the Residents Voice Challenge hosted by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice). In their own words:
“Creative writing and artistic expression are meaningful and compelling ways to highlight the importance of residents’ rights and how these rights can be carried out in all long-term care settings. The Resident’s Voice Challenge encourages residents to submit essays, poems, artwork, drawings, or videos related to the theme.”
There are some simple guidelines (found here) and residents are encouraged to get creative. Show the world your uniqueness and talents through art, creative writing, a video message, music and more.
Some other great information for Residents’ Rights Month is:
- Online Nursing Home Resident Resources. Our blog post covering some great resources all residents should know about.
- Support the Essential Caregivers Act. We’ve made it no secret that this bill could change and save lives. Please show you support for this bill by contacting your representatives! Learn more about the Essential Caregivers Act here.
- Know Your Rights. Knowledge is power, and taking a moment to understand your rights as a long-term care resident can greatly impact nursing home life for the better.
This Residents’ Rights Month is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to grow our advocacy toolkit and skillset. We hope you join us in raising awareness and celebrating our fellow Americans as they age.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of elder abuse or neglect, call Gharibian Law (866-798-8606) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.
