Long-Term Care Residents Honored During Residents’ Rights Month, October 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman are honoring long-term care residents by celebrating Residents' Rights Month.

Each October, Residents' Rights Month recognizes and reaffirms Ohio's commitment to ensuring all residents live with dignity, free from neglect and abuse. Selected by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice), this year's Residents' Rights Month theme, Join Us at the Table, highlights the central role that food, mealtime, and community play in residents' daily lives.

"As Chair of the Governor's Nursing Home Quality and Accountability Task Force, we heard stories and perspectives that drive us towards meaningful change for long-term care residents and those that care for them," said AGE Director Ursel J. McElroy. "The Ohio Department of Aging is committed to bolstering residents' rights and improving overall quality of care and quality of life across the long-term care continuum."

Residents of long-term care facilities are guaranteed a variety of rights under federal and state law, including the right to make independent choices, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to voice concerns. Residents' Rights Month also highlights the critical role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who advocates on behalf of residents to ensure these rights are upheld and protected.

In 2025, the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman launched the Ohio Residents' Rights Council, bringing together presidents of nursing home resident councils across Ohio to help residents' voices be heard and amplified.

"Every day ombudsmen visit the nearly 2,500 nursing, assisted living, and adult group homes across the state to speak with residents. We are there to educate residents on their rights, empower them to seek excellence in their care, and advocate alongside them to resolve problems related to their health, safety, welfare, and rights," explained Leilani Pelletier, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Ohio. Ohio has 12 regional ombudsman offices around the state with about 225 staff ombudsmen and volunteer ombudsmen serving residents.

To contact your 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 resources for long-term care residents and their families, visit aging.ohio.gov/residentsrightsmonth.

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