Tuesday, October 23, 2012

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM CELEBRATES RESIDENTS’ RIGHTS MONTH

       PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    CONTACT:
MONDAY, October 1, 2012                            BRYAN MORGAN
                                                                                (850) 510-3920
                                                             morganb@elderaffairs.org

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM CELEBRATES RESIDENTS’ RIGHTS MONTH

TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program wishes to make  Floridians aware of the rights bestowed on long-term care residents across the state. Residents of adult family care homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes are given a list of rights upon admission. 

Residents, family members, and other interested parties may contact the Ombudsman Program to make complaints against facilities when they believe a resident’s rights have been violated.  Such concerns include a resident not being treated with respect, lack of choice in daily activities, and more serious accusations such as medication errors and inappropriate discharges.

Ombudsmen volunteers and program staff coordinate with facilities, resident councils, and community organizations to discuss resident rights and why they are important.  “It is absolutely necessary that residents in long-term care settings feel as though they have the same rights as if they were living in their own homes”, says Jim Crochet, Florida’s State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.  “They maintain the right to personal decisions, observing their religious traditions, and the right to vote. It is a matter of dignity and respect all Floridians deserve.” 

If you have further interest in the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, please visit our website ombudsman.myflorida.com for the full list of resident rights, local council meeting dates and locations as well as information to become a volunteer specializing in residents’ rights.  All program services, including individualized response to residents’ concerns are free.  To reach your local office call 1-888-831-0404.   



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