They will present training with the goal of educating residents about their rights and encouraging them to speak up when they feel their rights are not being respected. Ombudsmen want residents to recognize that living in a long term care facility does not mean that you cannot participate in decisions about your care.

The Nursing Home Reform Law, passed in 1987, guarantees nursing home residents their individual rights, including but not limited to: individualized care, respect, dignity, the right to visitation, the right to privacy, the right to complain, and the right to make independent choices. Residents who have made their home in all types of facilities maintain their rights as
U.S. Citizens. Residents’ Rights Month raises awareness about these rights and pays tribute to the unique contributions of long-term residents.

Authorized by the Older Americans Act, Cumberland County Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a program of Cumberland County Aging and Community Services and Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Volunteer and staff Ombudsmen are advocates for consumers. They provide information on how to find a facility, conduct community education sessions, and support residents, their families and the public with one-on-one consultation regarding long-term care.

For more information about the Ombudsman program or to become a volunteer Ombudsman, contact the Cumberland County Ombudsman at Cumberland County Aging and Community Services at 717-240-6110 or 1-888-697-0371 ext. 6110.