October Is Residents’ Rights Month: Why It Matters

Every October, long-term care residents, families, advocates, and providers nationwide observe Residents’ Rights Month, a national campaign led by The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. The event highlights the fundamental principles of dignity, respect, and self-determination for residents in nursing homes and other care settings.

In 2025, the theme is “Stand With Me.” This year’s campaign calls on families, communities, and care providers to stand in solidarity with residents who speak up for themselves — and to ensure that every individual in long-term care can live with respect, safety, and autonomy.

For our Milwaukee community and throughout Wisconsin, Residents’ Rights Month is a time to elevate awareness, demand accountability, and protect vulnerable individuals from neglect and abuse in nursing homes.

Understanding Residents’ Rights

Federal law provides specific protections for anyone living in a nursing home that participates in Medicare or Medicaid. These rights, first codified in the Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987, include:

• The right to dignity and respect
• The right to make choices about care and daily life
• The right to privacy and personal property
• The right to be free from abuse, neglect, and restraint
• The right to participate in one’s own care planning
• The right to voice grievances without fear of retaliation
• The right to safe and appropriate discharge or transfer

Wisconsin law mirrors these protections and adds additional oversight through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, both of which advocate for residents’ welfare and investigate complaints.

How Families and Residents Can “Stand With Me” in 2025

Residents’ Rights Month is more than symbolic – it’s a reminder that real change happens when residents, families, and advocates take active steps to uphold these rights.

Educate Residents & Families

Review the educational materials available through The Consumer Voice. Their resources include fact sheets, advocacy toolkits, and “Put a STOP to Poor Care” brochures. Encourage residents to complete the My Personal Directions for Quality Living form to make their care preferences clear.

Monitor & Visit Regularly

Frequent visits are one of the best ways to protect loved ones in long-term care. Look for warning signs of neglect or mistreatment, ask questions, and document concerns. If something feels off, speak up — in writing — and request a written response from facility administrators.

Use the Ombudsman Program

In Wisconsin, the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care operates the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Ombudsmen advocate for residents’ rights, investigate complaints, and help resolve disputes with care facilities — all at no cost to residents or families.

Submit to the Resident’s Voice Challenge

The 2025 Resident’s Voice Challenge invites residents to express themselves creatively – through essays, poetry, artwork, or video – around the “Stand With Me” theme. Participation not only empowers residents but amplifies their voices nationwide.

Promote Awareness Locally

Raise visibility in your own community:

• Ask Milwaukee County or your local municipality to issue an official Residents’ Rights Month proclamation.
• Partner with senior centers, churches, or advocacy groups to host awareness events.
• Share stories and educational posts on social media using #StandWithMe and #ResidentsRightsMonth.

Watch for Red Flags

Be alert to potential signs of nursing home neglect or abuse:

• Unexplained injuries or bruising
• Sudden withdrawal or fear of staff
• Rapid health decline or dehydration
• Missing personal items
• Poor hygiene or unclean living conditions
• Unexplained transfers or medication errors

If you notice these warning signs, take immediate action — report concerns to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Ombudsman Program, or consult a nursing home negligence attorney.

Standing Together for Better Care

Residents’ Rights Month 2025 reminds us that protecting the elderly and vulnerable requires collective action — from families, advocates, and legal professionals alike. When we “Stand With Me”, we stand for the principle that every resident deserves to be heard, respected, and protected.

If you believe your loved one’s rights have been violated in a Wisconsin nursing home, contact the team at PKSD today for a free consultation.