October is Residents Rights Month. Residents Rights Month is an annual event designated by Consumer Voice to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities. October gives us an opportunity to celebrate awareness, dignity, respect, and the rights of each resident. The federal Nursing Home Reform Law guarantees residents rights. The law also requires nursing homes to “promote and protect the rights of each resident.”

This year’s theme for Residents Rights Month is “Stand for Quality.” This outlines the importance of all quality. Quality care, services, choices, life, and more. Residents Rights Month is for everyone to work together to stand for and promote quality long-term care. We also recognize the states long-term care ombudsman programs staff and volunteers across the country. 

It is important to let the residents know they are heard and have their own rights. Giving us a month to focus on them is great because we can take this time to explain things to them, spend time with them, and thank them for everything they have done for us.