Hi, thank you for taking a few moments to read this month’s newsletter!
You may notice this month’s news is being brought to you by a pop of purple- and for a good reason, or better yet- a great purpose! For long-term care ombudsmen and others who advocate on behalf of older adults, June holds particular significance as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Each year we recognize June 15th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day- a day where we are provided with an opportunity for communities to come together, rally behind those who raised us, who made us who we are, and bring awareness to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We know that no community or country in the world is immune from the mistreatment of older adults. That’s why it is critical that the public be armed with education on how to identify, report, and prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE).
Here in Kentucky, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is part of a statewide effort in elder abuse prevention. We work with residents in licensed long-term care facilities, their families, and the community to educate ALL Kentuckians of the warning signs of ANE – and how to report it. It is the law that ANYONE who suspects ANE must report it to Adult Protective Services. Reports can be made online or by phone, and callers can remain anonymous.
Why purple? Purple is the color associated worldwide with dignity and respect, qualities that should be reflected in the way we treat our elders. By wearing purple, we bring attention to this issue and serve as a reminder in our communities that everyone plays a role in protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of older adults. Together, even a simple act like wearing purple can spark a conversation that may lead to greater awareness and prevention.
We never know what grows from the tiny seeds we plant in others from our day-to-day interactions. I encourage each and every one of you, as we roll into July, to plant seeds by starting conversations with those around you. Conversations about the importance of quality, person-centered long-term care, how short staffing in facilities can impact direct resident care, how long-term care structures are changing and what those changes mean for residents and families, including how care is delivered and experienced. If you would like to speak with an ombudsman in your area about something that is impacting you or your loved one’s care or experience in a long-term care facility, visit www.ombuddy.org and find your ombudsman.
Kentucky long-term care ombudsmen traveled from all across the state to gather together with other agencies and community members on June 15th at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm to be a part of Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Pictured above (left to right): Amy Morris (NKY certified LTCO), Michael Callan (General Counsel to SLTCO), Alice Saylers (Bluegrass District LTCO), Sheila Cornett (KY River District LTCO), Jodi Holsclaw (KY State LTCO), Holly Rapier (Gateway District LTCO), Amanda Hamilton (FIVCO District LTCO), Amanda Grooms (Buffalo Trace District LTCO), Angela Zeek (certified LTCO), and Bethany Breckel (NKY District LTCO).
Be a part of the SOLUTION:
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.
|
|
Join the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program!
|
The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is looking for a Regional Ombudsman to support the 15 District Ombudsman Programs. If you are looking for an opportunity to improve the care Kentucky’s long-term care residents receive, please apply today!
|
|
|
|
What’s New?
From the Commonwealth to the Nation’s Capital
|
Jodi Holsclaw, Kentucky’s State LTC Ombudsman, traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent both Kentucky and the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs at the Elder Justice Coordinating Council. During the event, the Council announced the Federal Elder Justice Action Plan, a government-wide strategy to protect older Americans’ right, strengthen accountability, and make finding help and resources surrounding elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation easier. Jodi provided testimony to the Council about the role of the long-term care ombudsman, our impact on residents, and how the Program prevents and responds to elder abuse.
Click here to watch Jodi’s full testimony.
|
|
|
Pictured above (left to right): Beverly Laubert (National Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Administration for Community Living), Kari Benson (Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration on Aging), Jodi Holsclaw (Kentucky State LTCO), Mark Miller (Washington, D.C. State LTCO).
|
|
|
“Never Ever!” The New Campaign to End Scams
|
Real government agencies will “never, ever” call or text people threatening them to move money to protect it, demand unusual forms of payment, or ask for a Social Security number to determine eligibility for a government grant.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has joined with the Elder Justice Coordinating Council and companies across the country as part of the “Never, Ever” Campaign to shine a light on government and business imposter scams, which often target older Americans. In these scams, bad actors pretending to be government agencies or well-known companies contact you by phone or text message and try to pressure you into handing over money, personal information, or access to your accounts.
Department of Justice Memo Threatens Decades of Progress in Deinstitutionalization
|
|
|
|
For more than 25 years, the federal government has interpreted the Americans with Disabilities Act and Olmstead to require individuals with disabilities receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to meet their needs, whenever reasonable. Recently, the Department of Justice released a memo reinterpreting the ADA and rejecting decades worth of executive branch interpretation of the integration mandate associated with Olmstead v. L.C.
As the State LTCO, this memorandum raises significant concerns and signals a worrisome shift away from the federal commitment to community integration for individuals living with disabilities. This opinion could increase the risk of unnecessary institutionalization, weaken protections that support person-centered care, autonomy, and informed choice, and limit opportunities for residents who want to transition to community settings.
“While the memo does not change the law itself, it signals to the states that it is acceptable to return to a time of forced institutionalization. We cannot go back.“
|
|
|
|
|
2026 Residents’ Rights Month Theme Announced
|
Check out the 2026 October Rights Month theme and materials at The National Consumer Voice. Email and let us know your plans.
Residents’ Voice Challenge
This year’s theme encourages residents to share their experiences, preferences, and traditions around food and dining, and for those around them to listen to their stories, uplift their voices, and work collectively towards ensuring that meals reflect dignity, choice, respect, and community.
To highlight these stories, Consumer Voice will be creating a recipe book featuring a selection of residents’ recipes, meal traditions, and the memories that surround them. YOU can submit your favorite recipes, artwork or pictures of your favorite food & meals, and other creative expressions about how food is More Than A Meal.
Learn more at the Consumer Voice’s website – but hurry! Recipes are due July 10 to be considered for inclusion in their recipe book!
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
What are Residents Saying about their LTC Ombudsman?
|
|
|
|
“It was too hard to do on my own. She helped me.”
|
|
|
“The ombudsman is WONDERFUL. She has tried to get better vegetarian meals.”
|
|
|
“She helped me solve my problem. I was important to her! It was all good.”
|
|
|
|
“I don’t know how to thank you. We are so grateful for your intervention on [his] behalf. It’s reassuring to know there are still good people in the world who really advocate and care about others in need.”
|
|
|
“I have told the entire resident council about her. She is the one to go to when they have tried going through the right channels.”
|
|
|
|
“She is the ONLY person that I can really depend on to take care of the problems I have. She has helped me with harassment issues from the administration, she is working with me to try all options to get a surgery I need, helped me find placement, helped with other contacts, brought me copies of grievances…so many other things. I trust her implicitly. She does everything with understanding and patience.”
|
|
|
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!
|
Bowling Green, KY –
Senior Lifestyle, Health & Home Expo
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Holiday Inn University Plaza – 10am to 1pm
|
If you are in Bowling Green, mark your calendar for the Expo 4 Seniors! Check out the details here!
|
Kentucky long-term care providers can register 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.
July 13-14 from 8:30am-5pm ET in Somerset
July 16-17 from 8:30am-5pm ET in Louisville
August 4 – September 22 from 1pm-3pm ET every Tuesday online
Attendees will leave the training with:
- An understanding of “behaviors” as unmet needs
- Person-directed care strategies that improve resident well-being
- Practical techniques your team can use immediately
Learn more and register (no cost for Kentucky’s CMS certified nursing home staff)
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
