Recap: Consumer Voices in Long-Term Care

This week's recap with Marla and Mary takes you on a fast history lesson about congressional legislation for long-term care. You will also learn about the Ombudsman Program and Marla's work as an advocate for elders. This episode centers on Lori Smetanka, executive director of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, the leading national nonprofit advocacy organization representing consumers receiving long-term care in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home and community-based settings. The first director of the program was Elma Holder. She was part of the Gray Panthers and worked with Ralph Nader on nursing home reform issues. Lori described Elma as "a force to be reckoned with" and one of her heroes. We also discuss COVID-19 and why one elder described the nursing home during this time as a "death trap." It was a story that haunts Lori and the staff at Consumer Voice. Learn about their upcoming virtual conference here: https://theconsumervoice.org/2020-conference  Find out more about Elma Holder: https://www.mcknights.com/news/mcknights-40-for-40-elma-holder/