Older Americans Month
May 2, 2021 | Resident Advisory Council
May is Older American’s Month, and we are proud to mark this month with the announcement of our newly formed Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (WALTCOP) Resident Advisory Council. We are all currently living in long-term care facilities across the state and our role will be to advise WALTCOP and participate in policy and legislation.
Washington’s long-term care residents have been under lockdown longer than anyone in the nation. And while many of us appreciate the fast-acting policy decisions aimed at addressing the public health crisis, as the year went on, our voice, the voice of the resident in long-term care impacted by these policy decisions, was starkly missing.
This council is aiming to remedy that.
In tough times, communities find strength in people—and people find strength in their communities. This year’s theme for Older American’s Month is “Communities of Strength” which recognizes the vital role older adults play in fostering connections and engagement that build strong, resilient communities. Older adults and people with disabilities living in long-term care are a crucial source of this strength, despite often facing a system that is bias, ageist, and ableist.
Please join the WALTCOP Resident Advisory Council to strengthen our community.
- Learn more and sign-up for our updates at www.waombudsman.org/resident-advisory-council. As we grow we will create new resources for residents and families alike. If you are interested in joining the council please contact your local Ombuds for more information.
- Apply to become a volunteer Ombuds at www.waombudsman.org/volunteer/. Ombuds are at the forefront of protecting and promoting resident rights and are completely confidential. No matter if you need a caring ear, or help to file a complaint we know that our communities are stronger with Ombuds.
- Start a resident or family council at your facility! Tackling issues on your own can put us at risk, but we are stronger as a community, and it is our right to organize these councils. Learn more about starting a resident council or family council from your Ombuds today! You can find local contact information at https://www.waombudsman.org/find-ombudsman/
In this year’s legislative session, WALTCOP was able to work closely with AARP and Representative Bateman to pass HB 1218, “Improving health, safety, and quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities.” This legislation made significant progress to address gaps made obvious by COVID. In coming years, the council will become an integral part of legislation such as this and lead to innovations that can only come when we answer the call, “Nothing About Us Without Us!”
Throughout the pandemic, folks across the country turned their eyes to our homes. However, that gaze has often been paternalistic, rather than acknowledging that folks in long-term care are experts that need to be trusted in our own lived experience.
One member of the council wrote an internal policy to ensure that residents wouldn’t be lost in the shuffle between hospital stays and rehabilitation care.
One member is raising children while facing retaliation for her advocacy of herself and other residents.
One member, with the eye for safety that only a teacher has- realized that her facility’s fire escape plan didn’t account for wheelchair users. She realized her only way to escape would be to throw herself out the window and try to call for help. She continues to advocate for solutions that work for all residents.
We are just a few of those living in long-term care who work tirelessly to protect our community and create solutions with administrators, staff, and residents to ensure that everyone can live with dignity. We are currently requesting to remain anonymous for the fear of retaliation and retribution.
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. They ensure the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals living in long-term care. They are trained to receive and resolve complaints in all aspects of resident dignity and rights. For assistance please call their hotline at 1-800-562-6028 (TTY 1-800-737-7931).
WALTCOP is operated by Multi-Service Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that offers people pathways out of poverty. More information can be found online at www.mschelps.org.