Safety, Dignity, and Empowerment in Long-Term Care

Nearly 70% of people will need a higher level of care in the later years of life. There are ways to prepare legally and financially to preserve hard-earned savings. Still many people have an unaddressed fear about leaving home to enter a community or facility that provides necessary care. They worry about a loss of control, independence, and dignity. But there are allies to empower residents of care facilities and help to advocate of the residents' rights. Cori Hurley of the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging discusses in this episode the role of ombudsman. The ombudsman program exists to advocate for those who can't, support those who can, and ensure that all long-term care consumers live with dignity and respect.