More than 100 residents of Delaware nursing homes and long-term care facilities gathered at the Sheraton Dover Hotel Oct. 8 to assert their right to be treated fairly and equally during their golden years.
The theme of the eighth annual Residents’ Rights Rally was “Hear our voice,” and the collection of state healthcare officials who spoke at the event made it clear that they are listening.
“Residents should be treated with dignity and respect of their full individuality,” said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Social Services.
From simple things like choosing when to go to bed, to more serious needs such as having full and unrestricted access to medical records, there was agreement that residents are entitled to be in control of what happens to them at their long-term care facility.
That’s the way it should be, but facilities don’t always treat their residents with the respect they deserve, said Nyleen Lonski, activities director at the Westminster Village senior living facility in Dover.
Lonski said it’s important for residents to have access to advocates and other staff who will work on their behalf to solve problems and make their wishes known.
“They have a right to know if they’re going to have a new roommate, and if for some reason they need to have their room changed, they absolutely can. They get a choice,” she said. “They rule the nursing home; we are here to serve them.”
Landgraf highlighted several state programs designed to give residents of long-term care facilities the ability to speak up and have their grievances addressed, including the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, which listens to concerns from residents in facilities statewide and works toward comprehensive solutions.
“There are over 5,100 individuals living in 50 nursing homes in Delaware, and almost 2,200 individuals living in 144 assisted living facilities in the state,” said Ombudsman Victor Orija. “All of us must continue to affirm these rights through facility practices, public policy and resident-centered decision making.”
Gov. Jack Markell, who also spoke at the rally, said he has charged Landgraf and her agency with drafting a comprehensive report on Delaware’s long-term care facilities that highlights their strengths and weaknesses. The report will be used as a guide for future administration policies and legislation.
However, Markell told the group there’s no question of the need to protect residents’ rights.
“These are basic rights you all deserve, regardless of any legislation,” he said.
Westminster Village resident Edith Wallace was happy with the support the issue has received from the governor and other state officials.
“It’s very good that they come out and support it, and know what’s happening in the facilities,” she said. “And it’s good for us to know what our rights are.”
By the numbers
50 nursing homes in Delaware
5,100 residents
144 assisted living facilities statewide
2,200 residents
Email Doug Denison at doug.denison@doverpost.com.
