September 2023

Amplifying Residents’ Voices

Residents are the experts of their experiences and should be leading the way on identifying issues and solutions. As part of the new Community Engagement Program, NJ LTCO is engaging with residents to build community and amplify their voices. As part of Consumer Voice’s Resident Voice Challenge, seven residents from four facilities around New Jersey shared their stories in a video created by the LTCO.

Thank you Stan, Alane, Joan, Bob, Dave, Ray, and Glenn!

“It’s awful to know you’re being heard but ignored….It’s nice to know that coming together with each other is really where we’re going to see amazing change start almost immediately.” —Dave, Residents Voice Challenge Video
To get in contact with the LTCO’s Community Engagement Team please email community@ltco.nj.gov or call 609-690-4740.

Residents’ Rights Corner

Nursing Home residents have many rights under Federal Law, including the right to Planning and Implementing Care.

You have the right:

• To be involved in creating your care plan—which should be developed within 48 hours of admission.
• To designate a person you wish to have included in the planning process.
• To participate in establishing goals of care and type/amount/ frequency/duration of care.
• To request meetings and to request changes to your person-centered care plan.
• To see, review and signoff on significant changes to your care plan.
• To have nursing aides and food service staff participate in developing your care plan.

If you or any resident you know is experiencing a violation of these rights, call our office for advocacy: 1-877-582-6995.

Disability Rights New Jersey

Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) is a non-profit organization established by federal law to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities throughout New Jersey, including nursing home residents. DRNJ believes that nursing home residents with disabilities have the right to live as independently as possible, to have choice and control in their lives, and to participate and contribute fully to nursing home and community life. DRNJ can help residents solve individual problems, provide legal representation if appropriate, and monitor overall conditions in the nursing home. They often bring broader problems to the attention of state officials to spark change. If you identify as a person living with any type of disability (physical, psychological, developmental, and intellectual) and want to talk to someone about your rights, DRNJ is there for you!

The LTCO works closely with DRNJ staff on many nursing home issues and urges residents with disabilities to contact them if you want to confide in professionals with a deep understanding of people with disabilities and their rights. DRNJ staff always takes a sensitive, supportive, and confidential approach. You can call DRNJ at (800) 922-7233, email them at intakeunit@disabilityrightsnj.org, or complete their online intake form. You can reach out on behalf of your fellow nursing home residents with disabilities, too.