Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
This October, in honor of Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month, the Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is launching the Ohio Residents’ Rights Council.
This new statewide group brings together presidents of nursing home resident councils across Ohio. The council will facilitate dialogues and collaboration among resident council presidents, allowing them to share their experiences living in nursing homes, exchange best practices for effective resident councils, and discuss current issues impacting residents.
“The Ohio Department of Aging has continued to make residents’ rights a priority in 2025," said Director Ursel J. McElroy. "Through initiatives such as the Long-Term Care Quality Navigator and the EXCEL Academy, we have demonstrated our commitment to satisfying the vision of our North Star: quality of life, quality of care, elder rights and system performance."
Resident councils are a critical part of the long-term care landscape. Required in all nursing homes under the federal Nursing Home Reform law of 1987, resident councils strengthen residents’ quality of care, quality of life, protection of rights, and voice in shaping their communities.
“It’s important for us to keep a pulse on what Ohioans living in nursing homes are experiencing,” said State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Leilani Pelletier. “Participating in the Ohio Residents’ Rights Council is a way for residents’ voices to be heard and amplified.”
Residents' Rights Month is also being recognized this October through a proclamation issued by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel. The proclamation honors the more than 122,000 Ohioans living in nursing homes and assisted living/residential care facilities across the state.
Residents of long-term care facilities have a variety of rights protected by law, including the right to make independent choices, the right to dignity and respect, and the right to present grievances. Residents’ Rights Month also emphasizes the essential role the Long-Term Care Ombudsman plays in advocating on behalf of residents to safeguard their rights.
The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provides crucial advocacy by mediating disputes, addressing concerns, and educating residents and staff on fostering a culture of respect and quality care. Currently, more than 250 Ombudsmen advocate for Ohioans receiving long-term care and services in facility and home-based settings across the state.
To contact the regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, visit ombudsman.ohio.gov or call the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206.
For more information about Residents’ Rights Month and the Ohio Residents' Rights Council, visit https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman/residents-rights/residents-rights-month.
About AGE – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community-based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov to learn more.
