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June 30, 2015

Consumer Voice's 40th Anniversary Gem - Long-Term Care Ombudsmen

As Consumer Voice celebrates our 40th anniversary we want to take this opportunity to reflect on our past and recognize the individuals who shaped our organization. In honor of the 40-year ruby anniversary we will highlight Consumer Voice’s Gems which include key leaders, organizations, and special moments that have made a significant impact on our organization’s development, mission, and advocacy.

For this month’s gem, we celebrate long-term care ombudsmen.

Joani Latimer, Virginia State LTCO, Elma Holder, Consumer Voice Founder, and Sue Wheaton, Former Ombudsman Specialist at the Administration on Aging

Consumer Voice has a long history of working with and supporting the work of long-term care ombudsmen (LTCO). Long-term care ombudsmen are invaluable advocates for long-term care consumers and essential to the advocacy of Consumer Voice.

In fact, a few state LTC ombudsmen developmental specialists attended the first annual meeting of Consumer Voice (then NCCNHR, National Citizen’s Coalition for Nursing Home Reform) in May 1977, along with individuals representing citizen groups, legal services programs, and representatives from government agencies involved in nursing home work. As the leading national advocacy organization representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, hearing directly from LTCO about long-term care issues and consumer experiences, both locally and statewide, is essential to our advocacy.

In addition to participating in major milestones of Consumer Voice history, LTCO continue to be a significant part of the leadership of Consumer Voice, by serving on the Governing Board, Leadership Council, and other workgroups and committees that guide and support our advocacy. LTCO often assist Consumer Voice with identifying consumers who may be interested in sharing their perspective regarding their quality of life and care in long-term care facilities or receiving LTC services and supports in the community. State and local ombudsmen, staff and volunteers, have a critical perspective on the lives of long-term care consumers as they advocate on behalf of and with consumers to address individual issues and systemic issues. LTCO significantly enhance our consumer education and public policy efforts by sharing their unique experiences as a consumer advocate, distributing Consumer Voice resources, and informing consumers, family members, and others of opportunities to take action.

Read more about this month's gems here.

As part of our 40th Anniversary, we honor gems who have supported our work as the national Consumer Voice calling for quality of care, dignity, and human rights for nursing home residents and all who depend on long-term care services.  We have come so far in our fight to achieve quality care, and yet many challenges remain.   We invite you to contribute to our special campaign to ensure that all persons who will be dependent on long-term care services are not alone and have advocates and a voice speaking up for their needs and their rights.  For more information about the campaign, click here.  To donate, click here.

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We sold out of CARE Matters buttons in less than a week, but not to worry!

We just received a new shipment and buttons are back in stock! Show your support for this year's Residents' Rights Month theme - CARE Matters - with a button! These buttons would make great gifts for residents, caregivers or volunteers. They are sold in packages of 20, 50 and 100.


20 - $15.00
50 - $40.00
100 - $80.00

Plus, check out our CARE Matters wristbands!

20 - $25.00
50 - $50.00
100 - $90.00

*Remember - Consumer Voice members receive a 10% discount.  Become a member now and save!

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Report Reveals How Pennsylvania DOH has Risked Lives of Nursing Home Residents

Pennsylvania's Community Legal Services issued a report entitled "CARELESS: How the Pennsylvania Department of Health has Risked the Lives of Elderly and Disabled Nursing Home Residents."  The report analyzed nursing home enforcement data from the Pennsylvana Department of Health (DOH) between 2012 and 2014. The study reviewed survey data for 46 Philadelphia nursing facilities.  DOH received 507 complaints between 2012 and 2014 and dismissed all but 43.  The dismissal rate was 92%.  In 161 follow-up visits in the three-year period, DOH did not find in any of the visits that a violation persisted, and penalties imposed by DOH have decreased dramatically in recent years.  The report also found that the DOH consistently minimized the severity of the harm to the resident when it did find a violation.  Examples of deficiencies which the DOH characterized as minimal harm included a patient who was dropped on his or her head by staff and required hospitalization; a nurse who forged a prescription for morphine, stole the medication, and administered the morphine to another patient who then required hospitalization; and the failure of nursing home staff to provide emergency care to a patient who then died. Read the report here.

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Supreme Court Ruling will Extend Benefits to LGBT Older Adults

In light of the Supreme Court ruling on June 26 for marriage equality for same-sex couples, Justice in Aging has re-released its report "LGBT Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities: Stories from the Field" and its accompanying video.  In a blog post, Justice in Aging also outlined how more LGBT couples will now enjoy federal spousal and survivor benefits such as Social Security, Medicare and Veterans' Benefits.  Plus, LGBT couples will now be able to advocate and make health care decisions for their spouse when needed.

Visit the NORC website for resources on LGBT aging and long-term care.

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Free Webinar for LTC Ombudsmen on Bullying in LTC Facilities

Identifying, Preventing, and Responding to Bullying in Long-Term Care Facilities Webinar
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
3:00 - 4:15 ET


Register today to join a discussion about the prevalence of bullying among residents in long-term care facilities and learn how to identify, prevent, and respond to these incidents.

Dr. Robin Bonifas, John A. Hartford Faculty Scholar in Geriatric Social Work, Associate Professor with the School of Social Work at Arizona State University has years of experience working with older adults in long-term care settings and she will discuss her recent work regarding bullying among residents in LTC settings.

Following Dr. Bonifas’ presentation NORC staff will share resources regarding resident-to-resident mistreatment and advocacy tips and strategies to increase awareness of these incidents, ensure the rights of all residents are respected, and demonstrate how individualized care is critical to preventing and responding to bullying in long-term care facilities.

Register Now!

This free webinar is open to all Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, but space is limited. Contact us if you have any questions.

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OSHA Memo Names New Hazards in Nursing Homes

 In a memorandum issued last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) named new key hazards in nursing homes.  OSHA's National Emphasis Program - Nursing and Residential Care Facilities collected injury and illness data from 80,000 healthcare facilities.  New hazards listed in the memorandum include musculoskeletal disorders related to resident handling, workplace violence, bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis and slips, trips and falls.  For more information, read the article in McKnight's.

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Agenda Highlights at the Consumer Voice Annual Conference November 4-7, 2015

A brief overview of the Consumer Voice Annual Conference agenda is available on our website.  Agenda highlights include:

Pre-Conference Intensives: There will be two pre-conference intensives held on Wednesday, November 4 from 1:00-4:00pm. They are each $60.00 and will be held concurrently. You can register for the intensives on the conference registration form.

Awards Luncheon: Based on your nominations, Consumer Voice recognizes people who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of long-term care consumers. The 40th anniversary gift is a ruby, and we encourage you to nominate the gems you know that are dedicated to making quality care matter. Nominations are due by July 10.

40th Anniversary Party: 2015 marks our 40th anniversary, and we invite you to join us in celebrating 40 years of advocating for quality care.

Resident Empowerment Luncheon: This will be a great opportunity to interact with residents and consumers, as well as a time for residents to share their voice.

Register now! There's only 10 more days to receive the Early Bird discount!

Plus, become a conference sponsor
- Being a conference sponsor provides your organization with the opportunity to not only support the activities of long-term care activists, advocates, ombudsmen, consumers and researchers, but also to be appreciated for your own contributions. What’s more - sponsors qualify for benefits, get to be an active conference participant and do good by helping to underwrite and reduce conference costs for attendees, especially consumers.  Find out more in the Sponsorship Kit.

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Eldercare Locator Releases Snapshot of Older Adult Issues and Needs

Eldercare Locator has released a report entitled "2014 Eldercare Locator Data Report: A Snapshot of Older Adult Issues & Needs in America."  The report reviews data from over 270,000 requests for assistance received by the Locator. According to n4a CEO Sandy Markwood, “This data tells a story about the real needs of older adults and caregivers across America. We decided to release this information publicly because we believe that the insights gained from this research will aid those in a position to address the needs of our rapidly aging population, whether they be community-based organizations like Area Agencies on Aging or policy makers on a national level.” 

What is the number one service request identified in the report? Accessing transportation, which is a critical challenge for older adults who no longer drive and who live where transportation options may be limited or unavailable.  The report identifies four other issue categories.  Read the full report.

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Consumer Voice Leadership Council Chair Brian Capshaw to Attend White House Conference on Aging

Resident and chair of the Consumer Voice Leadership Council Brian Capshaw has been invited to represent Consumer Voice at the White House Conference on Aging on July 13th.

Plus, WHCOA is inviting everyone to get involved with the event.  Visit the WHCOA website to learn how you can get involved by sharing your story, hosting a watch party, and participating on Twitter.

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Now Accepting Bulk Orders of Nursing Homes: Getting Good Care There


$15.00 plus shipping and handling
Consumer Voice’s widely acclaimed classic consumer guide includes dozens of specific advocacy strategies, checklists and standards of care. A “must-read” for residents, family members, and advocates who seek the best possible care in nursing homes. Also a great training tool for all paid and volunteer ombudsmen.
Want to know more about this book? Read the Preface here.

We are placing a new order for Nursing Homes: Getting Good Care There books from the publisher.  If you are interested in making a bulk purchase (25 or more books), please email info@theconsumervoice.org by July 31st.  Nursing Homes: Getting Good Care There will be available again for smaller purchases in August and is available immediately for iPad and Kindle.

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Spotlight on Giving: 40th Anniversary Special Gifts Campaign

A critical focus of the Consumer Voice board of directors is ensuring that the organization is able to address effectively the long-term care challenges affecting people today and in the years ahead. A key focus is to fully fund Consumer Voice public policy and advocacy initiatives which are critical at a time like now when new rules are being written and when cost pressures further threaten the commitment to quality, person-centered care and the rights of long-term care consumers. The board has started the year with its own fundraising campaign seeking double the level of annual contributions from each member and now it is reaching out to all members of the Consumer Voice constituency to ask that each person consider making a special contribution to the organization this year.  Contributions can be made online here, monthly, as a gift of stock, in recognition of an individual, organization, or in other ways.  To discuss your gift and how you would like it recognized, please contact Richard Gelula at rgelula@theconsumervoice.org or (202) 332-2275 x209.  And for more information about the 40th Anniversary Campaign, click here.

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Spotlight on Educational Resources

The 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 website and the NORC website to explore all the available resources.  Take a look at this week's highlighted resource:

Consumers for Quality Care, No Matter Where  - Consumers for Quality Care, No Matter Where is an initiative launched by the Consumer Voice in October 2010. The initiative expands the Consumer Voice’s national grassroots advocacy network to focus on issues faced by long-term care consumers who receive services and supports in non-nursing home settings and builds a strong consumer voice to advocate for well-coordinated, accessible, quality long-term services and supports both at home and in the community (“home and community-based services” or “HCBS”).

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In this Issue

Consumer Voice's 40th Anniversary Gem - Long-Term Care Ombudsmen

We sold out of CARE Matters buttons in less than a week, but not to worry!

Report Reveals How Pennsylvania DOH Risked Lives of Nursing Home Residents

Supreme Court Ruling will Extend Benefits to LGBT Older Adults

Free Webinar for LTC Ombudsmen on Bullying in LTC Facilities

OSHA Memo Names New Hazards in Nursing Homes

Agenda Highlights at the Consumer Voice Annual Conference November 4-7, 2015

Eldercare Locator Releases Snapshot of Older Adult Issues and Needs

Consumer Voice Leadership Council Chair Brian Capshaw to Attend White House Conference on Aging

Now Accepting Bulk Orders of Nursing Homes: Getting Good Care There


Spotlight on Giving: 40th Anniversary Special Gifts Campaign

Spotlight on Educational Resources


4.1 It CAN Be Done!

As part of our nursing home staffing campaign, Better Staffing: The Key to Better Care, Consumer Voice is advocating for a minimum of 4.1 hours of nursing care per resident per day.  To show your support of this campaign, individuals can send us a photo with the slogan "4.1 - It CAN Be Done" by tweeting us pictures @ConsumerVoices, posting on our Facebook or emailing your photos to info@theconsumervoice.org.  Get the word out and encourage consumers to participate by sending in their photos too!


Calendar of Events

Tuesday, July 28: Identifying, Preventing and Responding to Bullying in Long-Term Care Facilities, 3:00pm ET, Webinar from NORC

Thursday, August 27: How to Grow, Support, and Activate Your Network, Advocacy skills training webinar from the Consumer Voice

October: Residents' Rights Month, CARE Matters

November 4-7, 2015: Consumer Voice 39th Annual Conference, Crystal City, Virginia


Your Car Can Help Promote Quality Care - It's Easy!

Do you, a loved one or friend have a car that you or they would like to dispose of?  Now, Consumer Voice can help – and your used car can help Consumer Voice!  By working with our car disposal agency, Vehicle Donation to Any Charity (V-DAC), the proceeds from the sale of your car become a contribution to Consumer Voice.

Donating your car is easy - V-DAC comes to the location of the car and picks it up (whether the car can be driven or not).  Provide the car's registration and title, and V-DAC will send you a contribution letter with the amount of the donation that was made.

Note: We are actually registered with the service as “NCCNHR” so when asked which charity you would like to benefit, just say or type in “NCCNHR.”

Here is a link to our page on the V-DAC site http://v-dac.com/org?id=52-1122531 and you can get started there – or just call 877-999-8322 toll free.   And to discuss your donation with Consumer Voice, just write to us at info@theconsumervoice.org or call (202) 332-2275 x209


Join the conversation and follow us on social media!

Last Week's Most Popular Post:

Sunday, June 28:
The sentiment "see me for the whole and entire person I am" resonates across all long-term care.

Last Week's Most Popular Tweet:

Thursday, June 25
:
As @LTCconsumer said, "Sad but not surprising." Our take: quality care is not about numbers reported on a form.


Long-Term Care Resources & News



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About The Voice

The Voice is a weekly e-newsletter, published by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. If you do not wish to continue receiving this publication, please unsubscribe below. Your contributions and comments are welcome and should be sent to info@theconsumervoice.org. Copyright © 2015.

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Consumer Voice is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. We are a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates and ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual. Consumer Voice's mission is to represent consumers at the national level for quality long-term care, services and supports.


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