December 2022
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
NJ Veteran recognized as selfless advocate for LTC residents
On Veterans Day 2022 Jennifer McMahon, LTCO Chief of Advocacy Services, presented Glenn Osborn with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and LTCO staff.
Glenn has had a lifetime of advocacy starting with his service to the USA with the United States Marine Corps. He served 8 years with the Marines and was meritoriously promoted up to the rank of Warrant Officer in flight operations and intelligence.
A lifelong advocate, Glenn's services were needed again during the worst days of the COVID-19 public health emergency. During that time, Glenn was a resident at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park. When the National Guard were deployed to Menlo Park, Glenn advocated strongly that residents be taken outdoors. He also communicated with families on the outside to give them real time reports of how loved ones were doing. He was voted as Resident Council President and served at this post for 6 years. He is well known in the State of NJ as a strong voice for vulnerable people. He has testified before legislative committees about conditions in nursing homes during the pandemic and currently serves on the New Jersey Task Force on Long-Term Care Quality and Safety.
The NJ Department of Health has launched a new dashboard on its website, that aims to provide Garden State residents with the information they need to choose a safe quality long-term care facility for their loved ones.
The dashboard provides information such as the 5-star quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; survey and inspection information; financial statements; general staffing levels, and compliance with staffing ratios, to help families choose a facility where their loved ones are properly cared for and respected. It also identifies the licensed nursing home administrators and owners.
A Tribute to our colleague - Leonard Parry
Beloved LTCO advocate Leonard Parry passed on November 26, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones. Leonard grew up in England and served in the British Royal Army Service Corps before moving to the US, marrying, and starting his family in NJ. While helping his wife through her battle with cancer, which required her to receive care in several NJ nursing homes, Leonard became a passionate advocate for nursing home residents. He first joined our office as a Volunteer Advocate, going to his local nursing home a few hours a week for several years to help residents. Later, he joined our I Choose Home NJ team, helping people move out of nursing homes. Leonard helped hundreds of people, always going above and beyond to resolve whatever issue they faced. From the quality of nursing home food to helping residents relocate across the country, Leonard was a determined and steadfast advocate. Sometimes he helped residents achieve goals that did not even seem possible. He had a special way of inspiring and motivating residents to stay focused on what was important to them. Leonard was smart and funny, always with a playful twinkle in this eye. He loved to read, teach, discuss current events, and joke. He will always be in our hearts.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey
