Why do residents and families fear retaliatory behavior?

It is a different situation from an employer-employee workplace scenario.

Barriers to Changing an Untenable Situation

Residents in long term care may be more vulnerable with chronic health issues and may be frail.

They may have cognitive (thinking, reasoning, decision making and memory challenges) and an inability to express the problem or needs adequately.

They may have sensory deficits - visual, hearing, tactile, taste.

They also may not be aware of the power structure and who to talk to.

A significant cause to fear is that they may feel they do not have someone to trust or someone to speak on their behalf as an advocate.

Fear can destroy a person’s self-esteem, confidence, trust in others and motivation. Fear prevents them from attaining a better quality of life and a measure of contentment. It also forestalls healing- physically and emotionally.

What might they fear the most if they voice their concerns?

Being ‘thrown out” of their current residential setting;
Being the object of continued verbal or physical abuse;
Withholding privileges and good nourishment;
Being ignored when assistance is needed for self-care;
Limiting access to communication with other residents and family members

What can be done to positively change the situation?

Become familiar with the role of the long Term Care Ombudsperson in your jurisdiction.

View this impactful and informative 2025 updated video from the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program in coordination with the Colorado State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

YouTube Link-

***Breaking the Silence: The Fear of Retaliation- 22 min; 10 sec

The updated version expands the conversation beyond nursing homes to include assisted living communities, residential care homes, and individuals receiving long-term services and supports in the community. It is designed for staff, residents, families, and advocates, encouraging everyone to help create a culture of trust, respect, and open communication where residents feel safe speaking up.

Your Ombudsperson is your ‘go to person’, your ally, who will work for the needed changes!

There are also Resident Councils who can be your voice comprised of other residents who ‘are in the same boat.’

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law was an effort to guarantee residents rights and promote the best quality of life possible.

There are many rights that a resident of a long term care community has covering several categories- including -several items within each category regarding -

The right to be fully informed about….
The right to participate in one’s own care….
The right to complain about…
The right to visits…
The right to privacy and confidentiality…
The right to dignity, respect and freedom…
Rights during transfers and discharges…
Rights to make independent choices…

**See the full itemized list here- -https://portal.ct.gov/ltcop/content/resident-rights/your-rights-as-a-resident-of-a-long-term-care-facility

(Compliments of the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program)

CAN I ASSIST?

If you or your family member fear retaliation and you need assistance to locate your LTC Ombudsman and to write a letter on your behalf, consider hiring me as a consultant to put you on the correct path … regardless of the state in which you live.

https://donnagore.com/store/p/writingprojects

Related Helpful Blogs I have Written -

https://donnagore.com/blog/beyond-health-and-safety-person-centered-care-is-your-right;

https://donnagore.com/blog/giving-a-voice-amp-transportation-to-long-term-care-residents

Your comments and feedback are encouraged and always very valuable me!

**Please share the video Breaking the Silence- The Fear of Retaliation with every family you know!

Thank you!

Donna