Ohio Department of Aging

• Older Ohioans & Families
• Providers & Professionals
• Advocacy & Legislation

• Home
• Info Center
• About Us

An estimated 84,000 Ohioans live in the state's nearly 1,000 nursing facilities. Most of them receive regular visits from family and friends, but too many of them do not. During this time of fellowship and celebration, we ask that all Ohioans take an opportunity to visit a nursing home to show their compassion and perhaps become involved in promoting quality of care and quality of life for all nursing home residents.

December 24-31, 2007 marks the 2nd annual observation of Visit a Nursing Home Week in Ohio.

News Release | Governor's Proclamation

You can visit as an individual, bring the family or go as a group. Many churches, civic organizations, schools and other groups may already be planning a visit. You can join them or encourage a group to which you belong to plan an outing. To find facilities in your area to visit, use the Long-term Care Consumer Guide, which contains regulatory information, satisfaction ratings and more.

Whether you go alone or organize a group, your visit will be appreciated. The Department of Aging encourages all nursing facilities to design events that invite visitation from individuals and groups in a manner that best suits the needs and interests of their residents and encourages interaction. Please contact the facility in advance to ask:

• What are their visiting hours?
• Do they have special holiday events planned in which you can participate 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?

Make your visit fun and brief and make sure you are aware of the facility's rules regarding visitors. Be respectful of staff and the day-to-day operation of the facility. Most of all, do not visit a nursing home if you are ill and may be contageous.

Also, while you are there, take an opportunity to talk with residents and staff about the types of care provided. Listen for things the facility is doing well and perhaps not so well to safeguard resident rights and provide the highest quality of care and quality of life. Ask if they are participating in the Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes campaign. If they aren't, encourage them to sign up at www.nhqualitycampaign.org. You can also sign up as a consumer to help further the campaign's goals to create a culture of person-centered, individualized care and an empowered workforce in nursing homes.

If you have questions or concerns about resident rights and quality care, or would like to become an advocate for residents year-round, learn about the Long-term Care Ombudsman program and how you can get involved.