DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 9, 2009 DHSS-92-2009 |
| Rita Landgraf, Secretary Carl Kanefsky, Communications Director (302) 255-9047, Pager Email: carl.kanefsky@state.de.us |
"HEAR OUR VOICE" - RESIDENTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES SPEAK OUT ABOUT RESIDENTS' RIGHTS
New Castle, DE - October 4-10, 2009 has been designated "Residents' Rights Week" by The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, and is being observed here in Delaware and around the country. The week highlights the importance of listening to residents who live in our country’s nursing homes, assisted living, and board and care facilities.
"Residents' Rights Week" is an excellent opportunity to re-affirm our collective commitment to residents' rights and to honor long-term care residents," said Governor Jack Markell. "Residents should be treated with dignity and respect of their full individuality so that staff and residents will enjoy relationships that enhance their day to day lives; and the long-term care facility can operate more effectively in its day to day activities being based on, and developed with consumer involvement."
"There are over 5,100 individuals living in 50 nursing homes in Delaware; and almost 2,200 individuals living in 144 board and care/assisted living facilities in the state," according to Victor Orija, Delaware State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. "All of us must continue to affirm these rights through facility practices, public policy and resident-centered decision making."
The State's Long-Term Care Ombudsman can be contacted at 1-800-223-9074, 302-255-9390, and 1-302-424-7310.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
