August 2017

A Note from Deanna Clingan-Fischer:

As the outgoing State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, it has been my sincere privilege to serve those that reside in long-term care facilities and assisted living programs, as well as the Medicaid long-term services and supports members in the State of Iowa.  As many of you are aware, this will be my last article for "The Advocate," as I have stepped down as the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (SLTCO) in pursuit of a different opportunity.  

As the SLTCO, it has been my pleasure to work with and focus on resident-centered care initiatives and residents rights.  Ensuring residents have the best experience possible while residing within long-term care settings is what all of us want--and by working collaboratively, it is truly possible for residents to have their rights protected and a rewarding quality of life. Although I am leaving the SLTCO position, the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman remains a tremendous resource for residents, tenants, families and staff.

The staff at the OSLTCO are compassionate public servants dedicated to the mission of protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of those we serve.  Iowa is so very fortunate to have such passionate advocates who truly care about the individuals they serve.  I will indeed miss both this mission and the superb staff with whom  it has been an honor to serve.   

I have enjoyed this journey and have appreciated the work we have accomplished together to make life better for Iowans. Thank you for the support as well as your dedication to this field.    

Deanna Clingan-Fischer, JD

Cindy Pederson to Serve as Interim SLTCO

On Monday, August 7, Cindy Pederson accepted the position of interim State Long-Term Care Ombudsman following the departure of the former SLTCO, Deanna Clingan-Fischer.

Cindy is a familiar face to many of you. She joined the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in 2014 as the Discharge Specialist, coming to the Office with a background in real estate and contract law. Since then, she has spent the last few years working with and on behalf of older Iowans and their families in the areas of elder rights and landlord-tenant law.

As the interim State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Cindy will assume a new set of duties, which include supervising the team of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen and professional and support staff who advocate for the residents/tenants of Iowa's nursing facilities, assisted living programs, long-term care facilities and elder group homes.  

As with any major transition, the coming months will bring both challenges and opportunities. Service to Iowans will continue to be the top priority, but the OSLTCO may try new approaches and methods as we look for ways to maintain quality service with the staff and resources on hand.

If you would like to arrange a meeting or contact Cindy, please contact her at (515) 393-1710 or Cynthia.Pederson@iowa.gov.

Residents' Rights Month 2017

October is “Residents’ Rights Month,” an annual event designated by Consumer Voice to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect and the rights of each resident.

The federal Nursing Home Reform Law guarantees residents’ rights and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity, choice, and self-determination.  The law also requires nursing homes to “promote and protect the rights of each resident”. Residents’ Rights Month is a time to raise awareness of these rights and celebrate residents.

The theme for this year's Residents' Rights Month, "It's All About Me: My Life, My Care, My Choices," focuses on the respect and dignity of every resident. The theme highlights residents’ rights to choose their own schedule and activities, communicate how and with whom they choose, be free from abuse and unsafe environments, and be treated as an individual with unique wants and needs.  

< More information and resources

Packet of Materials Now Available

Each year, the Consumer Voice develops a packet to help you plan your Residents’ Rights events. The packet is completely downloadable and features ready-to-use items, including promotional materials, activities to celebrate Residents' Rights Month, training tools and resources. Check back as more Residents' Rights Month packet materials become available.

< More information and resources

2017 Resident's Voice Challenge!

The Consumer Voice is encouraging all residents of long-term care facilities and individuals who receive care at home or in their community to show off their creativity and express themselves by submitting essays, poems, artwork, drawings, or videos related to the theme for Residents' Rights Month 2017: "It’s All About Me: My Life, My Care, My Choices." 

Consumer Voice wants to hear from your residents on the following questions:

1. What are the kinds of choices you should be able to make in your daily lives?
2. What factors contribute to the quality of life in your facility (or in your care at home)?
3. What do you think it will take to bring about good quality care in nursing homes?

This year, the Consumer Voice is particularly looking for video entries (just a cell phone or webcam video will work!).  For more information on how residents can send a video submission, click here.

All challenge entries are due on September 1, 2017. Find more information on submission criteria here. Residents can mail or email submissions to:

Consumer Voice
Attn: Resident’s Voice Submission
1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite. 632
Washington DC 20036

info@theconsumervoice.org

Any questions should be directed to info@theconsumervoice.org.