Resident Advocate Committee

                Each long term care facility in the State of Iowa is required to have a Resident Advocate Committee.  Parkview Manor of Reinbeck has five local volunteers which are appointed to advocate on behalf of long-term care residents. 

                When people move into a long-term care facility, they are faced with many changes in their lives.  We as the Advocate Committee help these residents and their families adjust to the special care each needs.  There are many safe guards taken by the State of Iowa, to be sure of an environment that promotes and maintains quality of life.  This is the Resident Advocate Committee's job to be sure each resident has appropriate care and quality of life. 

                Resident Advocates are volunteers who help safeguard the rights and quality of life of our long-term care residents.  To do this we visit each resident on a frequent basis to monitor the care and conditions of the facility.  We also do programs and other volunteer activities with our residents.  When problems arise, we advocate for the resident to resolve resident and family concerns with Parkview staff. 

               At all times, concerns are confidential with Parkview staff and the Advocate Committee.  At no time will concerns be used in a negative way toward residents or their families.  Residents and their families should contact the Administrator or Director of Nursing when concerns occur.  At all times everyone may also contact a Resident Advocate Committee member. 

                Committee Member names and phone numbers are all posted outside Business Office at Parkview Manor.  To contact any members just use the names and phone numbers by the office or send the committe chairman, Joy Thiel an e-mail at mshotdog@reinbeck.net

RESIDENT RIGHTS –THE FOUNDATION OF RESIDENT ADVOCACY.

When people move into a long-term care facility, they are faced with many losses, but they do not lose their basic rights.  In fact, the federal government and the State of Iowa have provided care facility residents with additional rights.

“Each facility much care for its residents in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident’s quality of life.”

Parkview Manor is currently looking for Residents Advocate Committee volunteers to visit residents to promote quality of life for individual in this facility.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

You need to be a caring, objective, conscientious adult who has demonstrated good judgment and reliability.  You must not have financial interest in the facility or work in the facility. You may be eligible to serve even if you have a relative who is a resident of the Parkview Manor.

What is a Resident Advocate Committee (RAC)?

A Resident Advocate Committee is a group required of each Long-Term Care and Residential Care Facility in Iowa and consists of team of volunteers appointed by the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs.  These committees monitor the quality of life residents receive at local nursing homes and residential care facilities. 

What Resident Advocates Committee do?

The RAC volunteers functions as an autonomous group within the facility and represents every resident.  It is particularly important role, especially for residents who have no family or friends nearby and those who might be reluctant to bring concerns directly to the staff.  The Committee convenes on a quarterly basis to share information gained during the visits.  These issues are then discussed with the facility’s staff to insure the residents’ rights are being respected. This dialog with staff facilitates cooperative problem solving and enhances the ability to correct any outstanding issues.

Is Training and Assistance available?

The State Resident Advocate Program Coordinator along with the Long Term Care Ombudsman offers an orientation session for new RAC members who will acquaint you with your role and responsibilities.  Continuing education programs are offered to you for the continuing needs and concerns of the facility and residents you serve.

Who Do You Call?

For more information or an application form, call Diane Beierle, Resident Advocate Program Coordinator, at 1-800-332-5934.

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