2003 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Nikki Smith
Phone: 1-217-785-9020, TTY: 1-800-252-8966

October 5, 2003

Residents' Rights Week
Set for Oct. 5 to 11

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today proclaimed October 5 to 11 Residents’ Rights Week in Illinois, calling attention to the more than 100,000 Illinois citizens who reside in long-term care facilities including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

"The week reminds us all that residents keep the same basic rights that they enjoyed before moving into a facility, including freedom of choice, the right to privacy and the right to participate in activities," said the governor.

Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson said the theme of this year’s Residents’ Rights Week is, “24/7: Residents’ Rights Around the Clock.” He noted that nearly 2 million residents live in over 60,000 long term care facilities in the United States.

The Illinois Department on Aging administers the Illinois Long Term Care Ombudsman program. Through it, local ombudsmen work with residents and their families in a confidential manner to resolve any concerns they may have. The program trains staff and volunteers to educate residents, family and facility staff on residents’ rights and minimum standards, resolve complaints reported to the program by residents, family and facility staff, and advocates for improved quality of life and quality of care for residents.

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For more information, contact the Illinois Department on Aging's Senior HelpLine.