SEPTEMBER 28, 2001
Dear Editor:
Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. and Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program announces Residents’ Rights Week will be celebrated October 7-13, 2001, in honor and recognition of the 2.7 million residents of long- term care facilities in this country. This year’s theme Opening the Door: A Resident’s Right to Visitation reminds us of the importance of community involvement in long- term care facilities.
During this special week, we want to take the opportunity to thank the many families, friends, and community groups who visit nursing homes on a regular basis and enrich the lives of many residents.
Since forty percent of long-term care residents do not receive regular visitors, we want to encourage you to visit a nursing home in your community, organize visits among your church groups, work in a home’s activity program, and/ or become a Volunteer Ombudsman. Volunteer Ombudsmen visit their assigned nursing homes on a weekly basis, and provide a voice for residents who have no one to speak on their behalf. Volunteer Ombudsmen also work to promote residents’ rights and improve the quality of the their lives.
The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc., Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is available to answer questions about Residents’ Rights, Residents’ Rights Week or the Volunteer Ombudsman Program. You may reach the Ombudsman Program by calling 1-888-841-2227 or 740-353-5263.
The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. serves ten counties: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton. Services rendered on a non-discriminatory basis.
Sincerely,
Kaye Mason-Elswick,
Regional Ombudsman
Program Director