LTC: My vote matters

October is National Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month, a time to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices many long-term care (LTC) residents have made to better our communities and to call attention to the rights of residents in long-term care facilities.

This year’s theme — My Vote Matters, was selected to call attention to the fact that residents of long-term care retain their voting rights, no matter where they live or what type of care they receive.

Residents of LTC facilities have experienced many important historical, political events. It is important that they are given the opportunity to continue to participate in the political process and that voting is made accessible to them. By listening to residents’ voices, we honor their lives and experiences as well as treat them with dignity and respect.

The Older Americans Act gives LTC residents specific rights when they move into a facility, but their rights as an American citizen go there with them. North Idaho has 51 assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, some with multiple houses.

During Residents’ Rights Month, we recognize our local long-term care ombudsman program staff and volunteers, who work daily to promote residents’ rights, assist residents with complaints, and provide information to those who need to find a long-term care facility. Our local ombudsman program serves the five northern counties and advocates for improved quality of care and quality of life for those who live in the facilities.

Please visit anyone you know living in a long-term care facility, volunteer in a facility, or inquire about becoming a volunteer long-term care ombudsman. Your assistance and attention helps to ensure that the voices of long-term care residents do not go unheard and demonstrates to residents that they have not been forgotten.

JAN NOYES

Coeur d’Alene