Dear Editor:

October is National Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month, a time to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices many long-term care (LTC) and older residents have made to better our community and to call attention to the rights of residents in long-term care facilities.

 The theme for Residents’ Rights Month 2020 is - “Connections Matter”– to emphasize 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.

Residents’ Rights Month is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect and the rights of each resident.  We at Your Family Hospice have patients who are afforded a 5 day Respite in Nursing Homes we partner with.  Our staff are equally committed to ensuring the rights of residents are carried out with a focus upon Quality of Life

As YOUR FAMILY HOSPICE celebrates Residents’ Rights, I encourage community members to connect with those they know who live in long-term care facilities, participate in Residents’ Rights Month events and help to ensure that the voices of long-term care residents do not go unheard.

Andrea Valdez

Director of Marketing

Your Family Hospice

Hinesville