WE EACH HAVE OUR OWN WAY of expressing ourselves, participating in a community of people, and dealing with the problems of everyday life. These are all situations in which we develop our own way of living in the world. How we go about this depends a lot on how we perceive and exercise our power in a situation. When we feel at a disadvantage, we may approach matters with that disadvantage in mind.
In nursing homes, there are many factors that affect each resident’s own sense of empowerment. Personal factors include individual history or life experience, current health, and current support system. The facility’s size, culture, and physical environment also have an impact.
Long-term-care-facility residents often find themselves in an environment with unfamiliar rules and unfamiliar social codes. The experience of living in a nursing home can considerably dampen an individual’s sense of self and of his/her capabilities. It often leads to a sense of powerlessness in people.
The very experience of living in an institutional setting can “disempower” residents. They don’t want to upset their caregivers and may not have the energy or health to figure out how to get help. The decrease in meaningful conversations and interactions with family and friends that often accompanies residential life can lead to feelings of loss. These losses can contribute to a sense of powerlessness, disorientation, and despair. It is important to remember that generational, gender, and ethnic differences can also affect a resident’s sense of empowerment.
Advocacy is available
Ombudsman staff and volunteers play an important role in helping people regain their sense of personal power and voice. Residents who have always felt it easy to speak up may merely need to be pointed in the right direction and be given assurance that they are within their rights. Others may need us to speak on their behalf.
Are you interested in volunteering or inquiring about services? The staff and volunteers of the State Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman program can be reached by calling 419-2592891 or 800-542-1874. We can chat by phone or in person. There is no need to travel to us; we travel to you. Services are confidential and provided free of charge.
