RI State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to recognize the importance of emotional well-being at every stage of life.

For people receiving long-term care, quality of life isn't just about medical care. Connection, dignity, independence, meaningful choices, and being treated as an individual all matter.

A simple conversation, a visit from a loved one, participation in an activity, or having a voice in daily routines can make a meaningful difference.

Let's continue building long-term care environments where people feel heard, respected, and valued.

10/06/2026

Join us on Tuesday, October 13th at 7 pm via Zoom for a chance to meet your long-term care advocates and learn about resources that are available.

Sign up to receive the meeting link here:
https://alliancebltc.org/2023/09/26/long-term-care-ombudsman-program-zoom-family-meeting

10/02/2026

🍽️ October is Residents’ Rights Month! 💙

This year’s theme is “Join Us at the Table.” 🍴

The table is about so much more than a meal. Food can represent comfort, culture, identity, connection, and community.

Mealtimes are an important part of daily life and residents should have a voice in what, when, where, and how they eat.

Residents have the right to self-determination and to make choices about their own lives. That includes the everyday choices that shape quality of life from what is on their plate to who they share a meal with.

This October, we’re inviting everyone to join us at the table.

Listen to residents.
Ask what matters to them.
Respect their choices.
Make room for their voices.
And remember that every resident deserves a seat at the table. ❤️

Pull up a chair. Listen. Ask. Include.

09/28/2026

Looking for information about a nursing home?

The CMS Nursing Home Care Compare website is a valuable resource for residents, families, and anyone exploring long-term care options.

By selecting Rhode Island, you can:
• Find Medicare-certified nursing homes near you.
• Compare quality ratings and inspection results.
• Review staffing information.
• Learn more about the care each facility provides.

Taking a few minutes to compare facilities can help you make a more informed decision for yourself or a loved one.

Visit CMS Care Compare to get started: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/

If you have questions about nursing home residents’ rights or need assistance addressing concerns, the Rhode Island Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is here to help.

09/26/2026

Stay safe, warm and dry this weekend. Here are some tips to weather the storm courtesy of WPRI 12. Please be sure to check on elder neighbors and friends. And hunker down!

A coastal storm is expected to bring widespread rain and gusty winds to our area this weekend, which could cause some power outages.

09/24/2026

Maybe a loved one seems unusually withdrawn.

Maybe there’s a concern about their care.

Maybe they aren’t receiving the services they expected.

Maybe they’re afraid to speak up themselves.

Don’t ignore that feeling.

The RI State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program works with residents, families, and others to address concerns involving the health, safety, welfare, rights, and quality of life of people receiving long-term care.

You can reach out for information, consultation, or assistance.
📞 401-785-3340

You don’t have to have all the answers before you ask a question.

09/22/2026

✨ Resident Spotlight: Meet Adriano! ✨

Today, we’re celebrating Adriano, a man whose life is filled with family, creativity, and an impressive love of languages!

💙 Adriano has been married for 26 years and is a proud father of two boys and two girls, as well as a loving grandfather to one granddaughter. Family clearly holds a special place in his heart.

🌎 Adriano speaks English, Italian, Spanish, AND German! Talk about being a natural communicator!

🎨 When Adriano isn’t spending time with family or sharing his gift for languages, he enjoys drawing a wonderful way to express creativity and bring ideas to life.

❤️ We are so happy to shine a spotlight on Adriano and celebrate the many things that make him unique. Every resident has a story, talents, experiences, and a lifetime of memories that deserve to be celebrated.

09/18/2026

Think of us as resident advocates and problem-solvers.

The RI State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program:
👂 Listens to residents and families
🔎 Looks into complaints and concerns
📚 Educates people about residents’ rights
🤝 Helps residents and families work through problems
📢 Advocates for improvements in long-term care
🏛️ Represents residents’ interests before government agencies

Most importantly, we respect the privacy and confidentiality of residents.

We Listen. We Act. We Care.

📞 401-785-3340

09/16/2026

Aging is not a solo act; it is a shared human experience that touches nearly every family in our state. As our older adult population grows, so does our collective responsibility to ensure that long-term care is safe, respectful, and person-centered.

We need to make the word Ombudsman a household name in Rhode Island. If you or a loved one are navigating long-term care, know that you are not alone, and you have advocates in your corner.

Learn more in RI State Ombudsman Lori Light's recent article with Carol Anne Costa and GoLocalProv.

The Guardian You Probably Haven’t Heard That Is Protecting RI’s Aging Population - Lori Light and Carol Anne Costa

09/15/2026

Did You Know? Moving into a nursing home does not mean giving up your rights.

Every resident has the right to:
✔️ Be treated with dignity and respect
✔️ Participate in decisions about their care
✔️ Receive visitors of their choosing
✔️ Voice concerns without fear of retaliation
✔️ Be informed about their rights and services

Knowing your rights is the first step in protecting them. If you or a loved one has concerns about care in a nursing home or assisted living residence, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is here to help.