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May 7, 2019
NORC App for Ombudsman Programs Now Available!
Produced by the National Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC), the LTC Ombudsman Resource Center app was designed in collaboration with State Ombudsmen, program representatives, and stakeholder feedback to help Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs (LTCOPs) access key resources while working in the field.
In this app, users can find consumer fact sheets, information on federal laws and regulations, resources on long-term care issues, materials related to the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS), and contact information for Ombudsman programs around the nation. The NORC website is filled with information and resources to support and inform LTCOPs across the country. The app provides key information from the NORC website in an easy to access format.
To download the app search, "LTC Ombudsman Resource Center" in the Apple or Google Play Store. If you have any questions, email ombudcenter@theconsumervoice.org.
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Guidance Available on Inappropriate Use of Antipyschotics in Community Settings
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) along with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) have released guidance on inappropriate use of antipsychotics for older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community settings. This guidance is intended primarily for physicians and other prescribers as well as support staff, administrators, and caregivers working with people with dementia and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community settings. The guidance reviews the issue of inappropriate antipsychotic use and provides principles of care to be considered when developing a care plan. Principles of care include: assessment, goals of care, care plan including non-pharmacologic approaches and treatment, monitoring and reassessment, and preventing caregiver burnout. The guidance also addresses workforce training. Read the guidance here.
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New Resources Available for Residents' Rights Month Activities
New resources are available to begin planning your Residents’ Rights Month activities. Additional information about Residents' Rights Month is available on our website.
DIY Door Hanger:
This residents’ rights activity combines the fun creative release of decorating door hangers with an opportunity to discuss this year’s theme for Residents’ Rights Month – Stand for Quality. Print the black and white “I Stand for Quality” door hangers for each resident participating in the activity and while residents decorate their door hangers, facilitate a discussion about quality. Encourage residents to display their completed door hangers on their doors to show that they stand for quality. Discussion questions and additional instructions are available here.
Activity Calendar
The 2019 Residents’ Rights Month Activity Calendar provides ideas for events and activities throughout the month of October. Events and activities listed highlight this year’s theme “Stand for Quality” and provide an opportunity for education, discussion, and community-building for residents, staff, and family members.
Additional activities for residents, staff, and Ombudsmen are available on our website.
Plus, participate in the Resident's Voice Challenge! Entries due September 1.
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HHS Issues Final Conscience Rule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights issued the Final Conscience Rule. The rule protects individuals and health care entities from discrimination on the basis of their exercise of conscience. The rule is intended to protect healthcare entities and professionals who decline to participate in actions that violate their conscience and religious freedom. Read more about the rule here.
Consumer Voice will be analyzing the final rule. Stay tuned for more information and Consumer Voice's perspective.
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Senate Hearing Tomorrow on the Older Americans Act
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8, the Senate Committee on Aging will be holding a hearing entitled “The Older Americans Act: Protecting and Supporting Seniors as they Age.” Witnesses will include Lance Robertson, Administrator & Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration for Community Living; Richard Prudom, Secretary, Florida Department of Elder Affairs; Laurence W. Gross, CEO, Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging; Faith Lewis, great-grandparent from Simpson, PA with her great-grandaughter Xziylan Everitt. The hearing will be held at 2:30pm ET in the Senate Dirksen Office Building.
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WEAAD Webinar on Elder Jusice Tools
Join the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) for a webinar on Friday, June 7th at 12:00pm ET entitled "Stronger Together: Elder Justice Tools for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and Beyond." The webinar will feature speakers from NCEA, the Administration for Community Living, the Elder Justice Initiative at the Department of Justice, the Social Security Administration, the Security and Exchange Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It will showcase innovations highlighting all the latest in-demand tools created by organizations that are committed to providing consumer and professional education, and dedicated to the goal of justice for all. Plus, the webinar will feature special guest, Dr. Elizabeth Podnieks, the creator of WEAAD. Register for the webinar here.
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Spotlight on Resources
 Consumer Voice and the National Ombudsman Resource Center have a multitude of resources available online covering a wide range of long-term care topics. Visit the Consumer Voice and NORC websites to explore all the available resources. Check out this week's highlighted resource:
NORC Notes: Financial Exploitation in LTC Facilities
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In this Issue
NORC App for Ombudsman Programs Now Available!
Guidance Available on Inappropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Community Settings
New Resources Available for Residents' Rights Month Activities
HHS Issues Final Conscience Rule
Senate Hearing Tomorrow on the Older Americans Act
WEAAD Webinar on Elder Justice Tools
Spotlight on Resources
Calendar of Events
May: Older Americans Month
Monday, May 20: National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day, 1:00-3:30pm ET, RSVP for the in-person event in Washington, DC here or watch the livestream
Thursday, May 30: Ten Common Nursing Home Problems, and How to Resolve Them, 2:00pm ET, Webinar from Justice in Aging
Friday, June 7: Stronger Together: Elder Justice Tools for WEAAD and Beyond, 12:00pm ET, NCEA webinar
Saturday, June 15: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - Lifting Up Voices
October: Residents' Rights Month
November 3-6, 2019: Consumer Voice Annual Conference, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Virginia
Join the conversation and follow us on social media!
Last Week's Most Popular Post:
Thursday, May 2:
A new issue of The Resident Advocate, a newsletter for residents of long-term care facilities, is now available.
Last Week's Most Popular Tweet:
Thursday, May 2:
Calling all residents! Join the Resident's Voice Challenge!
Long-Term Care Resources & News
Read past issues of The Voice here.
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