Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Each October, we observe Residents’ Rights Month, a time to honor and uplift those living in long-term care and to recognize the importance of dignity, respect, and choice for all residents.
The 2025 theme, “Stand with Me,” highlights the power of solidarity and support for residents rights. It calls on families, caregivers, community members, and advocates to stand alongside residents, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld in every care setting.
Residents’ Rights Month serves as an important reminder that people living in long-term care facilities are not defined by their care needs. They are individuals with unique preferences, relationships, and contributions to make. Supporting their rights means fostering environments where they can make choices, express themselves freely, and live with dignity and respect.
Key residents’ rights include:
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect
- The right to make decisions about their care and daily life
- The right to privacy and personal independence
- The right to communicate freely and participate in community life
- The right to voice concerns without fear of retaliation
When we “Stand with” residents, listening to their experiences, learning from their perspectives, and speaking up for their well-being, we strengthen our entire community of care.
AgeGuide’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program works year-round to advocate for residents and empower them to exercise their rights. Ombudsmen help resolve complaints, promote person-centered care, and ensure that every resident’s voice is valued and protected.
This October, join us in honoring the courage of residents who speak up and the advocates who stand with them. Together, we can create a culture where every person in long-term care is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
