Know Your Rights. Know Your Ombudsman Advocate.

As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to pause and return to fundamentals—the things that matter most. For those of us connected to long-term care, that foundation starts with two essential truths: residents have rights, and they have the right to an independent advocate.

Too often, people assume that entering a long-term care facility means giving up control, privacy, or voice. That is not true. Federal and state laws are clear: individuals living in nursing homes, and assisted living facilities retain their rights as people—rights to dignity, choice, participation, and respect.

But rights are only meaningful when people know they exist and understand how to exercise them. That is where the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program comes in. Rights Are Not Abstract—They Are Personal. Residents’ rights are not just words on paper. They show up in everyday moments:

• Having a say in daily routines
• Being treated with respect by staff and providers
• Participating in decisions about care and services
• Receiving visitors and communicating freely
• Raising concerns without fear of retaliation

These rights exist to protect autonomy and humanity at every stage of life. They are especially important in long-term care settings, where power imbalances and complex systems can make it difficult for individuals to speak up on their own.

The Ombudsman Program: Independent, Confidential, Resident-Directed

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program exists for one reason: to advocate for residents.

Ombudsmen are not regulators, inspectors, or facility staff. They are independent advocates who listen to residents, respect their wishes, and work to resolve concerns related to care, services, and quality of life. Everything begins with the resident’s voice—and, consent of the resident or when appropriate, their representative.

Sometimes advocacy means helping a resident understand their options. Sometimes it means facilitating communication. Other times it means addressing serious concerns that require persistence, negotiation, and coordination. In all cases, the goal is the same: supporting residents in exercising their rights and living with dignity.

Access Matters—To Information, to Support, to Resolution

Access is a cornerstone of rights. Residents have the right to access information about their care, to receive visitors, to communicate privately, and to seek help when something doesn’t feel right.

Families and representatives can also play an important role. When they understand residents’ rights and the role of the Ombudsman Program, they are better equipped to support—not override—the person they care about.

Knowing early on where to turn when questions or concerns arise is important. Advocacy starts with awareness.

Starting the Year Informed and Empowered

As we move into the year ahead, our message is simple but powerful: know your rights, and know your ombudsman advocate. Whether you are a resident, a family member, a provider, or a community partner, understanding these fundamentals strengthens the entire long-term care system.

At the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, we remain committed to listening, advocating, and standing with residents—every day, in every season, and in every setting.

Because dignity, choice, and voice are not privileges. They are RIGHTS.