Leadership, Training, and Support 1. Is the SLTCOP developing innovative, varied ways to teach residents’ rights to consumers and to facility staff?
Are there “tool kits” on residents’ rights available for local LTCOPs to use?
Does the SLTCOP serve as a clearinghouse for sharing ideas and resources developed by one LTCOP with all of the other LTCOPs?
Do local LTCOPs know about the Residents’ Rights Week packets developed by the National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform?
Are they reminded and encouraged to use those materials for training and consumer education throughout the year?
Have any of these materials been adapted for use in other types of long-term care facilities in your state?
2. Is Residents’ Rights Week Month celebrated in your state?
If so, how?
If not, how can it be celebrated?
3. How can LTCO become more active in supporting resident and family councils?
How can the SLTCOP encourage and support this type of local LTCO activity?
4. What training, support, and resources does the SLTCOP provide to local LTCO regarding addressing residents’ rights issues in non-nursing home facilities?
5. Has the SLTCOP identified and worked with other agencies that are potential allies in addressing issues such as a consumer protection office, a different licensing agency, and other organizations such as the Consumer Voice, AARP or the Alzheimer’s Association?
6. Is the SLTCOP pro-active in reaching potential consumers regarding long-term care services and options before an individual becomes a resident?
9. What is the primary residents’ rights focus for the year for the statewide LTCOP?
What is the basis for this decision?
What resources are available to help address this issue?
Remember there are many resources including training agendas and materials on the NORC web site, www.ltcombudsman.org. Your mentor also has ideas and is available for feedback as well as the NORC staff and consultants. You are not alone and you do not have to start from ground zero. There are excellent materials to adapt. Just be sure to get involved in promoting and modeling respect for residents’ rights!