Ohio Department of Aging Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 18, 2008

Visit a Nursing Home and Share Celebration, Fellowship and Compassion With Residents This Holiday Season
State Observes Third Annual Visit a Nursing Home Week Dec. 24-31, 2008

COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland, the Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman invite all Ohioans to share their holiday celebration, fellowship and compassion with nursing home residents during the state's third annual Visit a Nursing Home Week, December 24-31, 2008.

The department created the observation to not only ask citizens to visit loved ones in facilities during the holidays, but also to encourage them to consider all nursing home residents in their visits and to recruit friends, family and other groups to organize to make the season a little brighter for people who may be separated from those they love. With the help of the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman, the department also encourages facilities to design special events during the week to welcome visitors.

"Taking time to share some joy with residents of your local nursing home will lift their spirits and perhaps provide you with an enjoyable and fulfilling break to the stress of the holidays," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. "We have nearly 1,000 facilities in Ohio that provide services to an estimated 84,000 residents. Many of these residents have family and friends who visit them regularly, but others seldom have visitors and some have no one to visit them."

"Don't let your sense of fellowship and compassion pass with the holidays. Use this celebration as an opportunity to become and remain involved with their lives," added Beverley Laubert, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman. "Ohio ombudsmen and nursing home staff are constantly working to improve the quality of life and care of residents. Consumers should expect excellence from their care providers. Become an advocate for residents and talk to staff to find out what they are doing to achieve excellence in care."

Contact your local nursing homes to see if they are planning holiday events. Check with church, school and civic organizations to see if they are planning a visit and ask how you can participate. Caroling, writing letters, sharing treats and cards, putting on a holiday program and creating artwork for the facility are all great, intergenerational activities.

Before you drop in, check with the facility to find out:

• What are their visiting hours?
• Do they have special holiday events planned, and if so, when?
• Do they have any restrictions on visits or gifts?
• Can you bring outside food and treats?
• May children and pets come along?
• Can you volunteer and help out?

To find facilities in your area to visit, use the Long-term Care Consumer Guide (www.ltcohio.org), which contains regulatory information, satisfaction ratings and more.

About the Long-term Care Ombudsman

The Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman advocates for consumers receiving home care, assisted living and nursing home care. They work to resolve complaints about services, help people select providers and provide information about benefits and consumer rights. Ombudsman staff and volunteers make regular visits to nursing homes. Call toll-free, 1-800-282-1206, to learn more or to volunteer.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.