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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2007

Share Celebration, Fellowship and Compassion with Nursing Home Residents This Holiday Season
Dec. 24-31, 2007 is Visit a Nursing Home Week

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 2nd annual Visit a Nursing Home Week, December 24-31, 2007.

"Nearly 1,000 facilities statewide provide services to an estimated 84,000 residents. Many nursing home residents have family and friends who visit them regularly. Others seldom have visitors and some have no one to visit them," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. "They would love to share in your celebration. We are asking everyone to slow down and take a little time to give these individuals an opportunity to connect with the world around them and know that they are valued and loved."

"Most of all, show compassion and take the opportunity to become involved in their care as an advocate," added Beverley Laubert, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman. "Ohio ombudsmen and nursing homes are constantly working to improve the quality of life and care of residents. Talk to staff to find out what they are doing to achieve excellence and chat frankly with residents about their right to expect excellence."

Strickland, Riley and Laubert encourage facilities to design special events during Visit a Nursing Home Week to encourage and welcome visitors. 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.

More about Visit a Nursing Home Week...

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.goldenbuckeye.com.