Issues

Advancing Excellence – A national campaign to improve the quality of care in nursing homes that kicked off in September 2006.

Assisted Living – Strengthening assisted living standards is critical to protect vulnerable residents and ensure an reasonable quality of care. Follow the development of this issue as many seek to define assisted living in a meaningful way.

Bankruptcy Law and the LTCOP – The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 allows the appointment of a “Patient Care Ombudsman,” which may be the State Ombudsman.

Culture Change – This movement promotes a person-centered model of care.

Dementia Care – Find resources and information acheiving quality care for people living with dementia care.

Elder Abuse/Elder Justice – Sadly, older persons are not always treated with respect nor do they always get the care they need.

Emergency Preparedness – Resources are available for victims, their families and care providers that may be useful in preparing for, or in the aftermath of, an emergency event.

Family and Resident Councils – The Older Americans Act requires ombudsmen to support the development of resident and family councils.

Flu and Other Health Issues – Ombudsmen, residents and their families can stay up to date with the latest health recommendations for long-term care facilities through published items on this site.

Guardianship - Find resources and information related to guardianship.

H1N1 Virus (Formerly Called “Swine Flu”) Information – Get information on the H1N1 Virus, including brochures, tips for staying healthy and links to the CDC website.

Health Care Reform – Find resources and get information about health care reform.

HIPAA Privacy Rule – Many questions have arisen about privacy of information since HIPAA was enacted in 1996. How does it affect resident and resident representatives’ access to records?

LGBT Elders - Get resources and information related to to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults and aging.

MDS 3.0 – Resources and information related to MDS 3.0.

Mental Health/Mental Illness – Resources and information related to mental health/mental illness among the long-term care population.

Nursing Home Closures – As nursing homes close for financial or other reasons, residents must be relocated to other facilities. Ombudsmen are involved in many sides of this issue, including helping residents find appropriate placements and making sure quality care is maintained.

Nursing Home Staffing – A staffing shortage in nursing homes has contributed to poor quality care. This issue remains a top priority on Consumer Voice’s advocacy agenda.

Older Americans Act Reauthorization 2011 - In 2011, Congress will consider reauthorization and amendments to the OAA effective in FY 2012.

Olmstead Decision – The Olmstead court decision involves a persons right to choose care in the least restrictive setting. States are required to have a plan to accommodate resident requests to return from institutions to the community and how to stimulate alternatives to institutional care.

Rebalancing the Long-Term Care System – Significant efforts are underway at both the state and national levels to “rebalance” the long-term care system to give consumers needing long-term care services more choices in where and how they receive those services. “Money Follows the Person,” and “Nursing Home Transition and Diversion” are some of the terms being used and programs developed in rebalancing efforts.  Here you will find information about these different programs, including Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC’s), which are single points of entry to long-term care services being developed around the country.

Residents' Rights - Residents’ Rights are guaranteed by the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law. The law requires nursing homes to “promote and protect the rights of each resident” and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. This page includes information on Residents' Rights, Residents' Rights translations and National Residents' Rights month.

Sexuality and Intimacy in Long-Term Care Facilities

U.S. Census 2010 – The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. Learn more about how nursing home residents will be included in this count.