Official Site of The State of New Jersey

October 2022

Resident Councils: A Forum for Residents' Concerns

Bill, Michael, Doris, Sandra, and Marilyn are members of their facility's Resident Council. As regular attendees, they view themselves as the voice of residents who cannot or do not feel comfortable attending Resident Council meetings. Recently, these Resident Council members invited Jennifer McMahon (LTCO representative) to attend their meeting. At this meeting it was brought up that the Resident Council was once a group of 10+ residents and they were wondering how they could get back to that size. McMahon offered some ideas and suggestions that the Resident Council members are going to try next month, including bright posters placed throughout the building encouraging residents to attend in person, serving refreshments and designating one member of the Council to make announcements in the dining room the day of the meeting. If you are a resident or someone who assists with Resident Council meetings and you feel like you need some support, please reach out to Jennifer McMahon at Jennifer.Sills@LTCO.NJ.GOV.

Election Day is November 8th

You have the right to vote, no matter where you live or what type of care you receive.

For more detailed voting information, the LTCO provides guidance from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services that you can access at www.nj.gov/ltco or ask a staff member to print for you.

October is Residents' Rights Month

October is Residents' Rights Month, an annual event designated by Consumer Voice (CV) to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their home or community. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports.

Being a part of a community is essential to our well-being. Throughout the pandemic, residents of long-term care facilities were disconnected from the resident and staff communities within their facilities when activities and group dining were limited. Residents were disconnected from the broader local community when visitation was restricted and many residents were unable to leave their facilities to participate in outside activities. This year's Residents' Rights Month theme - Inspiring Unity within Our Community - emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful community within the facility and encouraging residents' connection to their local community.

For more information, visit the CV website.