Dear Editor:
October is National Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month, a time to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices many nursing home residents have made to their communities and to call attention to their rights in the facilities where they live. “Inspiring Unity within Our Community” is the theme for Residents' Rights Month 2022—to emphasize the importance of fostering meaningful community within the facility and encouraging residents’ connection to their local community.
Being a part of a community is essential to our well-being. Throughout the pandemic, nursing home residents were disconnected from communities within their facilities when activities and group dining were limited. Residents were disconnected from the broader local community when visitation was restricted and they were unable to participate in outside activities. Residents’ Rights Month is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect, and the rights of each resident. Missouri state law and federal law guarantee residents’ rights and place a strong emphasis on individual dignity, choice, and self-determination. A list of residents’ rights can be found under the “nursing home” tab on our website www.mcqc.com.
As the Missouri Coalition for Quality Care (MCQC) celebrates Residents’ Rights Month, we encourage community members to connect with the people they know who live in nursing homes and to ensure that their voices are heard, and that they have not been forgotten. If you have concerns about a loved one’s care, we encourage you to contact us and to report any abuse, neglect, or violation of a resident’s rights to the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1(800)392-0210.
Sincerely,
Dave Damico, President
