Every person in long-term care deserves to live and be treated with dignity, respect and independence – every day. Lest anyone forgets that, October is designated as Residents’ Rights Month, which focuses on the very basic human rights that may sometimes be overlooked or withheld from those in long-term care.
This annual observance honors residents living in facilities as well as those receiving care at home or in the community. It is a time to turn our attention to the importance of choice and the value of residents’ voices in shaping their care.
The 2025 theme of Residents’ Rights Month is “Stand with Me.” It highlights the need for residents, families, care providers and community members to work together so every voice is heard.
What Do We Mean by Residents’ Rights?
Residents’ Rights Month helps ensure that all residents of long-term care – and their families — know and understand their rights and feel supported in exercising them. Messaging is also directed at long-term care providers and facility staff. A few of the most basic examples of residents’ rights include:
- The right to dignity and respect. Every resident should be treated with kindness and without discrimination.
- The right to make decisions. Residents should help shape their care, choose providers, join in care plans and decide how they want to live each day.
- The right to speak up. Residents can share concerns with staff, facility management and others without fear of punishment.
At United Way Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA), Residents’ Rights Month is a call to action for Ombudsman staff (dedicated advocates for those in long-term care), caregivers themselves, families and the community to consider how residents are treated and whether their voices are heard. It is also a chance to remind residents that they matter, they have choices and they are never without support.
Voices from the Ombudsman Team
UWAAA’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program staff visit facilities, listen to residents’ concerns and work with caregivers to solve problems. Their frequent presence and availability help residents understand their rights and feel confident expressing them.
For Ombudsman Karina Cortes, this month brings her back to the heart of her work.
“Residents’ Rights Month reminds us of the ‘why’ in why we do our jobs,” she said. “Our role as an Ombudsman is to advocate for residents. We are here to serve residents and make sure that they are living with dignity, respect, privacy and freedom to make choices.”
Fellow Ombudsman Jennifer Smith said the month promotes both awareness and action. “To me, Residents’ Rights Month means maximizing our outreach not just within local facilities but nationally, to inform the public about the appropriate treatment residents deserve,” she said. “In all likelihood, we will reach old age, and we may need to move into a care facility [ourselves]; so I believe it is important to have prior knowledge to protect yourself and others around you.”
Both Karina and Jennifer agree that knowledge is power. “It’s important for residents to know their rights so people don’t take advantage of them,” Karina said. “Knowing one’s rights reminds them of their humanity.”
How You Can Help
Here are a few simple ways to get involved:
- Share information about residents’ rights with your friends, family or social media.
- Speak up to make sure policies and programs reflect the needs of residents.
- Spend time with residents, listen to their stories and offer connection.
This October, as we embrace the theme “Stand with Me”, United Way Area Agency on Aging honors the voices of residents in long-term care. Their rights to dignity, privacy, respect and independence are not just ideals. They are the foundation of quality care and quality of life.
Click here or call 1-800-AGE-LINE to learn more or to be screened for UWAAA’s senior services.
The United Way Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA) Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program also needs your help to sweeten the holidays for Boarding Home residents in Jefferson County!
Home “Sweet” Home for the Holidays is an opportunity to provide a special treat to those who cannot be with their loved ones this holiday season. Volunteers are needed to DONATE desserts for the 35 participating boarding homes across the county.
If you or your organization is interested in donating, you can drop off store bought cakes, cupcakes, cookies and pies beginning Friday, December 19th and Monday, December 22nd between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA). For more information, please call 1-800-AGELINE.