ELDERS: Let's pay them back
Our elders in long-term care need our attention and respect. They have lived long, productive lives and now need the care they so richly deserve. Assuming they are all well taken care of is to ignore the problems that can face vulnerable elders in long-term care. We need to remember the contributions they have made and honor them by insisting on quality of care and quality of life for each one.
October is Resident Rights Month. Residents of assisted living and skilled nursing homes never lose their rights as American citizens. In addition, residents of long-term care have important special rights guaranteed by state and federal law.
The additional rights pertain to quality of care and quality of life. Quality of care means that a facility must provide services and activities to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident in accordance with a written plan of care. Quality of life means that a facility must care for its residents in a manner and environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of the quality of life.
To residents of long-term care, quality means kind treatment by staff, respect for residents’ dignity, being treated as adults, participation in their care and treatment, and privacy. Residents have the right to be fully informed, to voice grievances without reprisal, and to have personal and medical records kept confidential.
The experience of living in a facility can undermine a person’s sense of self and lead to feelings of powerlessness. The residents are vulnerable or they wouldn’t be there. They don’t know how things work in a facility. They don’t want to upset the staff. They may not have the energy, health or mobility to figure things out. They often need an advocate.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program trains advocates for residents of long-term care. Ombudsmen investigate and solve problems on behalf of residents, making sure resident rights are honored. Quality of care and quality of life are the benchmarks for promoting and safeguarding resident rights.
While family is crucial in advocating for their loved ones, the Ombudsman Program is the most effective mechanism for protecting resident rights. Ombudsmen offer support, information and encouragement to residents and family members alike for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting dignity, choice and self-determination of residents where possible.
Residents of long-term care are often out of sight and out of mind. Resident Rights Month is a yearly reminder to honor our elders in long-term care. Is there someone you can visit this month?
JAN NOYES
Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator
Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho