National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

06/26/2026

Federal law protects residents, and demands that the facilities entrusted with their care do the same. If a facility is not meeting these requirements, that is is a violation and you have the right to report it to your state's licensing agency.

Learn more about filing a complaint: https://theconsumervoice.org/filing-a-complaint/

06/22/2026

Nursing homes must report allegations of abuse within 2 hours of the allegation being made. These reports must be sent to the State Survey Agency and, in some states, Adult Protective Services.

06/18/2026

If you or someone you love lives in long-term care, there are steps you can take to prevent abuse.

Remember that abuse can take many forms: verbal, sexual, physical, or mental abuse, including retaliation for making a complaint. If you experience any of these forms of abuse, the Ombudsman program and the State Licensing Agency are available to help you: https://theconsumervoice.org/get-help

06/17/2026

Based on feedback from more than 450 long-term care residents, Consumer Voice has created an issue brief that highlights widespread concerns about unappealing meals, food served at the wrong temperature, limited menu choices, and dietary needs going unmet, while also showcasing examples of facilities that are getting it right.

It also provides practical advocacy tips for residents, families, and councils, including questions to ask facilities, ways to document concerns, and steps to take when food quality and resident rights are not being respected.

View the Issue Brief: https://theconsumervoice.org/news/more-than-a-meal-issue-brief/

06/15/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Millions of older adults experience abuse, neglect, and exploitation, sometimes in the care settings meant to protect them.

On this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, take the time to learn the signs and commit to speaking up. Awareness and reporting save lives.

Learn more and get involved this WEAAD: https://ncea.usc.edu/weaad/

06/11/2026

Nursing home residents have the legal right to voice grievances without discrimination or fear of retaliation.

There are strict federal AND state laws prohibiting retaliation for speaking up. If you or a loved one experiences retaliation after reporting a concern, you can contact your State Licensing Agency or Ombudsman program immediately.

If retaliation involves abuse or a potential crime, call 911 or the local police department.

You are not alone, and you are protected.

Learn more about retaliation and what steps you can take if this is something you experience: https://bit.ly/RetaliationFactSheet

06/10/2026

On June 3, Senators Booker, Wyden, and Warren wrote to CMS urging them to immediately reinstate a requirement that all nursing homes submit comprehensive ownership information. CMS suspended this regulation indefinitely last December, taking away an important step toward transparency and accountability of facility ownership.

Knowing who is in control of a nursing home allows consumers to make an informed choice about who will be responsible for their care when selecting where to live. Consumer Voice applauds the Senators for standing with nursing home residents and their families.

Read the letter:

06/09/2026

A recent investigation shows that the largest skilled nursing facility ownership group in the U.S., The Ensign Group, makes its profits through the strategic purchase of facilities serving populations with higher needs.

Following their purchases, staffing levels at these facilities decreased, and, despite self-reporting seemingly impressive quality measures, care quality decreased as well.

Higher acuity facilities receive more tax dollars from the government, and by cutting staff from their payroll, there are more dollars left for the pockets of executives and their affiliates. It's cases like these that lead Consumer Voice to call for higher transparency in facility ownership and finances. Money meant for resident care should be going there, not into the wallets of facility owners.

Read more:

Patients are dying.

06/08/2026

The fear of retaliation is real, and it is never acceptable.

Every resident has the federally protected right to raise concerns without punishment, and there are steps you can take to counter retaliation when it does occur.

Along with reporting to the State Licensing Agency, you can get free, confidential help from the Ombudsman program: theconsumervoice.org/get-help

06/06/2026

Food is about more than just nourishment - it's an opportunity to connect, to share a piece of our culture, and create memories we can hold onto forever.

Residents, do you have a recipe that holds significance to you? We want to hear about the meals that matter, and the stories behind them.

Participate in the Resident's Voice Challenge and share a favorite recipe to be considered for inclusion in our recipe book. Learn more: https://bit.ly/RVC-2026