News Article

Residents' Rights Month 2020: Connection Matters

June 11, 2020

October is Residents’ Rights Month, an annual event designated by Consumer Voice to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their home or community. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity, respect and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports.

This year's theme is “Connection Matters”. The theme emphasizes connections – to family, to friends, and to the community – as an essential component of good health and quality of life for residents.  The months of restrictions on visitation in long-term care facilities and the inability of residents, families, and friends to be together during the coronavirus pandemic has emphasized the importance of connection, of relationships, and the impact they have on all of our well-being.   During this crisis, many creative ways of staying connected were shared that can be replicated and built upon in all communities.

Check back often as our Residents' Rights Month webpage is updated with additional resources and materials.

Resident's Voice Challenge

The Resident’s Voice Challenge is an opportunity for long-term care consumers to respond to and reflect on this year’s theme.  Residents are encouraged to display their writing or artistic skills by submitting essays, poems, artwork, drawings, photos or videos reflecting on the 2020 theme, "Connection Matters." 

Residents can respond to one or more of the following questions:

• How do you stay connected and engaged with members of your community?
• Why does connection matter? What does connection mean to you?
• What are new ways that connection and communication has been maintained during the pandemic?  It could be connections with family and friends, members of the larger community, or connections within the facility, such as with other residents and staff.

• What are the challenges to staying connected and how can they be overcome? What resources or supports are needed?

Email submissions to: info@theconsumervoice.org

Or mail submissions to:
Consumer Voice
Attn: Resident's Voice Entry
1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 632
Washington, DC 20036

Submissions are due September 1, 2020.

Find more details about the Resident's Voice Challenge.