Ohio Department of Aging
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2008
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the Long-term Care Ombudsman are marking National Nursing Home Week, May 11-17, 2008, by drawing attention to initiatives facility staff and advocates are working on to improve the quality of care and quality of life of nursing home residents around the state.
"Unfortunately, we hear a lot of negative things about nursing homes, but we don't hear the multitude of positive stories about how facility staff, residents, families and advocates are working together to promote excellence in care," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "These partnerships keep residents and their families engaged in the care a facility provides and gives the staff effective motivation to provide the best care possible."
"I couldn't be happier with the trend of nursing homes to embrace a person-centered care philosophy," said Beverley Laubert, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman, whose office oversees a network of paid staff and volunteers that regularly visit nursing homes throughout the state, advocate for residents and work with facilities to solve problems. "Every person is the primary authority on his or her life. By giving their residents a voice and then listening to what they have to say, many nursing homes have taken steps to improve quality of life."
Since 2007, the Ombudsman's office has been working with its statewide staff to develop and assist resident councils and family councils in Ohio nursing homes. This initiative equips residents and families to resolve problems through effective participation in care planning. Assistance and resources provided by regional ombudsman programs includes presentations to nursing home staff, residents and families; written materials; resource libraries and more. Call 1-800-282-1206 or visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/families/ombudsman.html to learn about the Ombudsman program, including how you can become a volunteer.
About National Nursing Home Week
National Nursing Home Week was established in 1967 by the American Health Care Association to foster intergenerational relationships, collect and preserve patient's reminiscences, strengthen relationships with family members, celebrate quality and recognize all staff members who demonstrate excellent caregiving. The 2008 theme is "Love Is Ageless." Visit www.nnhw.org for more information.
About ODA
The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.
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Ohio Department of Aging