October is Residents' Rights Month, an annual event designated by Consumer Voice to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their home or community. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports.
Residents have the right to self-determination and to use their voice to make their own choices. This year's Residents' Rights Month theme, "Stand with Me," highlights the importance of solidarity and support for residents who stand up and advocate for their rights as well as the value of encouraging the community to join residents in sharing their voices.
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The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law protects the rights of nursing home residents. All residents have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, consideration, and freedom. This includes the right to self-determination and security of their posessions. They have the right to be free from mental and physical abuse, involuntary seclusion, corporal punishment, and physical and chemical restraints. To learn more about residents' rights, visit Consumer Voice.
If you are a Medicare beneficiary who was inpatient at a hospital and then reclassified under observation status, you have the right to appeal. The Center for Medicare Advocacy has published some frequently asked questions about the final court decision and what that means for those who are eligible to appeal.
Sharon Washington was born and raised in Boston, MA. She was the middle child of three girls. After graduating from Northeastern University, Sharon accepted a permanent full-time position in Washington, D.C. as a Program Evaluator with the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Ten years later Sharon obtained a Human Resources Certificate from The University of Virginia and then transferred to the National Science Foundation (NSF). Sharon served as the agency's Selective Placement Coordinator where she helped to recruit, hire, and retain individuals with disabilities. Sharon retired with 34 years of federal service.
Sharon first learned about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in 2017 from an article in The Washington Post. Sharon had already spent 20 years volunteering as a companion for a senior in D.C., and was looking for a new volunteer opportunity. After researching the program on her own, she called the local office to begin the training process. Sharon has volunteered in the same assisted living facility ever since. She has built trusting relationships with the residents, whom she refers to as "my residents." Sharon, thank you for all that you do for your residents!
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To report abuse, exploitation, or neglect of an adult who is 60 years or older or is 18 years and older and incapacitated, contact Adult Protective Services. This service is available 24/7. By law, your call will be kept confidential.
City of Alexandria: Call 703-746-5778
Arlington County: Call 703-228-1700
Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, & Falls Church: Call 703-324-7450, TTY: 711
Loudoun County: Call 703-771-5742
Elsewhere in Virginia: Call 888-832-3858 or file a report online.
• Advocates for improving the quality of life for persons receiving long-term care services
• Works to resolve complaints against long-term care providers through counseling, negotiation, and investigation
• Provides information about long-term care providers to help make an informed decision
• Educates the community about long-term care issues
• Visits residents of long-term care facilities on a weekly basis through our volunteer program
• Trains long-term care staff on long-term care related information
• Consults with providers
Location: 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708 Fairfax, VA 22035
Monday through Friday (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
Call: 703-324-5861 TTY: 711
Fax: 703-653-1796
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