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October 3, 2017

It's Residents' Rights Month!

This week marks the beginning of a month long celebration of residents' rights. Spend time this month honoring residents living in all long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, sub-acute units, assisted living, board and care and retirement communities.  Plus, take time to focus on individuals receiving care in their homes or communities.

The theme for Residents' Rights Month 2017 is "It's All About Me: My Life, My Care, My Choices" which focuses on the respect and dignity of every resident. The theme highlights residents’ rights to choose their own schedule and activities, communicate how and with whom they choose, be free from abuse and unsafe environments, and be treated as an individual with unique wants and needs.

  • Check out fantastic entries to this year's Resident's Voice Challenge.
  • There's still time to spread the word and plan an event.  Find ideas and resources on our website.
  • Utilize our new Residents' Rights fact sheet - download for free or purchase in bulk.

Do you have an event planned for this month?  Was your letter to the editor featured in your local paper?  Let us know! Email any Residents' Rights Month news and events to info@theconsumervoice.org.

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Regular Registration Extended for Consumer Voice Annual Conference

The regular registration rate has been extended until October 13th.  Spread the word - you can still save up to $55 by registering during our regular registration period which now is valid for two more weeks! 

Register now and don't miss plenaries and workshops addressing issues YOU care about, including guest speakers with insight on important policy initiatives and tips for advancing LTC advocacy, and essential opportunities to network with peers from around the country.

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Report Shows Increase in Nursing Home Complaints from 2011-2015

The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General has issued a new report on nursing home complaints between 2011 and 2015.  The report found that while nursing home occupancy dropped during those years, complaints increased by 33%. In 2011, there were 47,279 complaints, and in 2015 there were 62,790 complaints.  The study's authors suggest that the increase in complaints may not point to a decline in quality of care but may instead be a reflection of better filing and tracking of the complaint reports.  Over half of the complaints related to quality of care or resident neglect.  Read the report here.  For more information, read the article from McKnight's.

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Report Compares Health Status of Seniors By State

America's Health Rankings has published its 2017 Senior Report.  The report compares health status of seniors in each state.  The report includes individual summaries for each state.  The report also includes a chart pack which provides state comparison graphics.  See the report here.

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Spotlight on Resources

The Consumer Voice and the National Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) 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:

Residents' Rights - This NORC issue page provides information, resources, and training materials for ombudsmen on residents' rights.

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In this Issue

It's Residents' Rights Month!

Regular Registration Extended for Consumer Voice Annual Conference

Report Shows Increase in Nursing Home Complaints from 2011-2015

Report Compares Health Status of Seniors By State


Spotlight on Resources


Combined Federal Campaign

#10552

Thank you for your support!


Calendar of Events

September 15 - October 15, 2017: National Hispanic Heritage Month

October: Residents' Rights Month

November 5-8, 2017: Consumer Voice 41st Annual Conference, Arlington, VA


Join the conversation and follow us on social media!

Last Week's Most Popular Post:

Wednesday, September 27:
Don't miss the special closing plenary of the Consumer Voice Conference on Capitol Hill entitled "Achieving the Promise of the Nursing Home Reform Law 30 Years Later: Moving Forward Together"

Last Week's Most Popular Tweet:

Wednesday, September 27:

Closing Plenary of Consumer Voice Conference is on Capitol Hill. Find more info.


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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 © 2017.

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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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