May 2026

New Beginnings, Continued Committment

Hello and Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to connect with us. May means spring is in full swing here in the Commonwealth, bringing with it bittersweet farewells, exciting transitions, and new beginnings for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Stepping into my new role of being Kentucky’s new State LTC Ombudsman, I am committed to strengthening and protecting the Program and advocating for the health, safety, well-being, and rights of residents residing in Kentucky’s LTC facilities.

May also means it’s Older Americans Month! This month serves as a reminder to recognize and celebrate the contributions, experiences, and voices of older adults across our communities. Residents are at the heart of the advocacy work we do as long-term care ombudsmen. Ask any LTC ombudsman what their “Why” is for becoming an advocate and you may hear them say things like: “because no one should face long-term care alone”, “because everyone deserves to be heard and respected”, or maybe: “because every resident deserves to be treated with respect and have a voice in their own care”. Keep asking and you might hear: “because my mom didn’t get the quality of care she deserved”, “because I witnessed my grandfather go into a nursing home and he deserved better”, “because I saw what life was like for my loved one when they were in long-term care.” At the heart of each of these answers is the same truth: advocacy begins with compassion, is shaped by our lived experiences, and is driven by a shared commitment to prioritize and amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of residents.

If you’re reading this newsletter, you likely share the same passion and commitment about the quality of long-term care services. From the bottom of my heart- thank you for continuing to stand beside residents and for supporting Kentucky’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

Jodi Holsclaw

jodi@ombuddy.org

Kentucky State LTC Ombudsman

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the contributions of all older adults and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their health and independence. The 2026 theme, Champion Your Health, underscores prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging.

We want to hear how you have celebrated the seniors in your life this past month! Email us at nhoa@ombuddy.org

As May comes to a close, we continue to reflect on Mother’s Day and the many women whose love, strength, and care have shaped our lives and communities. In long-term care especially, we are reminded that motherhood is carried not only in memories, but in everyday acts of compassion, resilience, wisdom, and connection.

This month, we honor all mothers — those who are still with us, those we hold in memory, those who raised children by birth or by heart, and the women whose spirit has touched and helped shape generations. For many older adults, Mother’s Day brings moments of joy, reflection, gratitude, and sometimes longing. We feel privileged to walk alongside our residents and families through all of those emotions.

To every mother, grandmother, caregiver, and maternal figure: your impact continues to live on in the lives you have shaped.

What’s New?

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Join us for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Monday, June 15th! Since 2006, WEAAD provides an opportunity for Kentuckians to bring elder abuse and neglect to light.

How can you get involved?

Wear purple clothes or a purple ribbon on 6/15 to promote awareness
Tell your family & friends about WEAAD and invite them to participate
Attend Kentucky’s WEAAD event on 6/15 from 10am-12pm at Harold R. Benson Farm at 1525 Mills Lane, Frankfort, KY.
Share social media posts with the hashtag #WEAAD

Learn how to prevent, identify, and report elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation

The National Center on Elder Abuse is a great resource to learn more. You can listen to their podcasts, attend a webinar, or read the latest news.

Long-term care facilities can work with their local ombudsman program to provide abuse training to their staff. Ombudsmen can also provide education about Residents’ Rights, a key piece of protecting residents from abuse.

Join your Local Coordinating Council on Elder Abuse to connect with other people concerned about elder abuse.

Reauthorize the Elder Justice Act!

The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2026 was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Rep. Richard E. Neal and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici.

The Elder Justice Act supports programs that prevent and investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation against seniors and people with disabilities, including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and Adult Protective Services.

You can read the bill here and ask your Member of Congress to cosponsor or support the bill here.

Latest Federal Data Indicate Widespread Understaffing in US Nursing Homes

New federal data reveal that the overwhelming majority of U.S. nursing homes are operating with insufficient staffing to meet the basic needs of their residents. According to the Long-Term Care Community Coalition’s (LTCCC) report on the latest federal staffing data, close to 9 in 10 nursing homes fall below their expected staffing levels and the average facility is under-staffed by 24% on a daily basis. As a result, approximately 1,136,000 Americans reside in facilities that fail to provide the staffing levels expected to meet their residents’ basic clinical needs. These expectations are based on an evidence-based methodology that uses each facility’s own assessment of its residents’ needs to determine appropriate nurse staffing levels.

Click here to read LTCCC’s full report.

Like Podcasts? Check this one out!

When the Biden Administration announced its intent to implement a minimum staffing standard, the nursing home industry immediately responded with cries that a standard would result in closures, loss of money to nursing homes, and that the standards could not be met. These arguments, although unsupported by evidence, were effective and resulted in the current administration rescinding the staffing rule in March. Now, a new research paper shows that the implementation of state staffing standards over the years did not result in facility closures, paid for themselves, did not impact profit margins, and increased staffing levels. Click here to learn how minimum staffing standards impact care that residents receive.

2026 Residents’ Rights Month Theme Announced

Check out the 2026 October Rights Month theme and materials at The National Consumer Voice. Its never too early to plan for celebrating Residents’ Rights’ Month! Email and let us know your plans.

Staff and Volunteer Spotlights

In Kentucky’s LTCOP, our staff and volunteers make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Check out some awesome advocates below!

The Kentucky River Senior Games, held this May, was a tremendous success, bringing together older adults from across the region for a day filled with spirited competition, community camaraderie, and fun. From exciting athletic events to shared moments of encouragement and celebration, this year’s games truly showcased the energy, determination, and community spirit of our senior participants.

Pictured left to right: Sheila Cornett (Kentucky River District LTCO), Stacie Noble (Associate Director of Aging Services at the KY River ADD), and Brandon Wood, Regional LTCO.

Pictured above is Regional LTCO Brandon Wood (right) and certified volunteer Dennis Clark (left).

Dennis Clark

We’re excited to highlight Dennis Clark, a certified ombudsman volunteer in the Barren River LTCO Program. Dennis joined the program in July 2024 and has become a valued advocate and trusted friend to the residents he serves. His compassion and dedication to serving as an LTCO shine through in every visit he makes. He understands the importance of truly listening to residents, taking the time to build meaningful relationships and earn their trust. Through his thoughtful approach and genuine care, residents feel heard, respected, and supported. Dennis is committed to helping resolve the concerns residents bring to him, and his advocacy continues to make a positive difference in the lives of those he serves.

When asked what he loves most about being an ombudsman, Dennis shared:

“I love the residents! To me, everyone has a story to tell, and I really love to hear about them. I love to help the residents with any issues or concerns they may have or be thinking about. At the end of the day, I hope I can make a difference and make their lives better.”

Kentucky’s State LTC Ombudsman, Jodi Holsclaw, traveled to the Purchase Area Development District to train LTCO program staff and volunteers on transfer and discharge requirements in long-term care.

Pcitured left: Angela Farthing, Purchase DLTCO and Jodi Holsclaw, SLTCO.

In honor of Older Americans Month, the KIPDA and Lincoln Trail District LTCO Programs joined the Lincoln Trail’s Area Development District for Senior Celebration!

Erika Rhodes-Chism, KIPDA DLTCO (middle), Ty Clemmons, Lincoln Trail DLTCO (left), along with Andrea Calhoun, certified LTCO (right) had a great time movin’, groovin’ and speaking with seniors about the Long-Term Ombudsman Program throughout the event.

LTC Ombudsman Program Volunteer Appreciation Week

April 19 – 25, 2026

Thank you to all our volunteers for giving your time and talents to work with our program and make a difference in the lives of the residents. The Kentucky Office of State LTC Ombudsman recognizes the impact of your volunteer service. You truly are a force that transforms the world.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) could not be its best without the volunteers who help carry out the mission of advocating for long-term care residents.

In federal fiscal year 2024, 3,598 volunteers trained and designated to investigate and resolve complaints, contributed over 293,000 hours of service to Ombudsman programs across in the country (according to the NORS data).

The Independent Sector determined the estimated value of a volunteer hour in 2024 was $34.79. For the Ombudsman program, that is over $10.2 million of assets due to volunteer service!

Due to the dedicated service of these volunteers, resident access to the Ombudsman program is enhanced significantly and thousands of residents receive information about their rights and have assistance and support in resolving their concerns.

Email us today if you are interested in becoming a LTC Ombudsman Program Volunteer!

Southern Regional Multi Agency Group

Pictured above are some of the members of the Southern Kentucky group after their recent meeting.

The Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) promotes advocacy aimed at improving both the quality of life and the quality of care for all people residing in long-term care facilities. In 2009 the LTCOP created the Multi Agency Regional Groups to:

Help participants understand each other’s roles and agency’s services,
Identify gaps and barriers in the coordination efforts of government agencies at the local level,
Increase coordinated efforts of agencies to address abuse and neglect, and
Identify issues and suggest policy and communication improvements.

Agencies participating in the Multi Regional Groups all hold specific roles in preventing and addressing abuse and neglect of older adults and possess a common goal of serving and protecting long-term care residents. As mentioned in the Protection of Nursing Home Residents Final Report 2010 by Governor Steven L. Beshear, key participating agencies include: Office of Inspector General, Adult Protective Services, Guardianship, Office of Attorney General, Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living, Protection and Advocacy and the District Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs.

Thank you to all the Multi Agency Regional Group members across the Commonwealth for your dedication to residents of long-term care facilities!

Learning Opportunities

Kentucky long-term care providers register now for Dementia Beyond Drugs, a state-funded dementia care conference designed to transform how nursing facility staff understand and respond to people living with dementia.

This learning experience helps care partners recognize behaviors as signals of unmet needs and strengthen resident well-being through person-directed practices. Choose from online sessions or in-person workshops scheduled across the state.

Learn more and register (no cost for Kentucky nursing home staff)

What provider staff will gain from this training:

Understand “behaviors” as unmet needs

Experience person-directed care strategies that improve resident well-being

Practical techniques your team can use immediately

Flexible options — online or in-person

No cost to Kentucky nursing home employees

Visit Consumer Voice’s Family Council Center

Family councils can play a crucial role in voicing concerns, requesting improvements, supporting new family members and residents, and supporting facility efforts to make care and life in the facility the best it can be. Under the Nursing Home Reform Act, families have the right to organize and participate in a family council. However, it can be difficult to get councils started, whether that’s due to facility resistance, lack of family members interested in joining, or something else. Consumer Voice’s Family Council Center provides helpful tools for council development and maintenance, including how to overcome the obstacles they may face, as well as the specific language in federal law that gives families the right to come together to advocate for residents. The Family Council Center also provides examples from councils across the country that can be used to bolster new or current family councils.

Check out the Kentucky Family Council Manual prepared by the Kentucky Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Check out the summary highlightgs below of the Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Nursing Home Residents and Health Care Personnel — United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season Report.

What is already known about this topic?
Nursing home residents and health care personnel (HCP) are at increased risk for exposure to influenza, and nursing home residents are at increased risk for severe influenza. Routine annual seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for eligible persons, including HCP and persons at increased risk for severe influenza.

What is added by this report?
During the 2024–25 influenza season, influenza vaccination coverage was 61.3% among nursing home residents and 42.1% among HCP working in nursing homes; coverage among HCP varied by employment type.

What are the implications for public health practice?
Implementation of influenza vaccination in conjunction with preventive interventions including influenza testing, antiviral treatment, proven infection prevention and control measures, and antiviral chemoprophylaxis can help protect nursing home residents and HCP from influenza illness and its complications.

Influenza vaccination coverage among nursing home residents was lower than that among the general population aged ≥75 years during the same seasonal period (75.6%). This difference in vaccination coverage between these two populations might be partially due to differences in how the data were collected but also might indicate barriers to vaccination that are unique to nursing home residents.

What’s an Ombudsman?

Ombudsmen advocate for residents of long-term care facilities at no charge to residents or families.

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen

Regularly make unannounced visits to long-term care facilities to visit residents.
Protect the special legal rights of residents.
Identify, investigate, and resolve residents’ problems and concerns.
Empower residents to make informed choices.
Work to monitor laws/policies to protect residents.

Long-term care ombudsmen serve residents in all counties in Kentucky. Visit our website!

The Kentucky State LTC Ombudsman Program is housed within the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass.

The KLTCOP is funded in part by state and federal funding provided by the Department for Aging and Independent Living.

Our Contact Information
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass
3138 Custer Drive
Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40517
8592779215
http://www.ombuddy.org

News

May 2026 State Ombudsman E-Newsletter