October is Residents’ Rights Month, an annual observance sponsored by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. Each year, Residents’ Rights Month provides an opportunity to recognize the dignity, individuality, choices, and rights of people living in long-term care communities. This event reinforces the importance of the Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987 which outlined specific standards for quality of life, quality of care and individual rights for each person living in long term care communities. Even before the law was introduced, Consumer Voice has been a champion for Resident Rights introducing the first Resident Rights Week in 1981. The program has grown consistently each year, with Consumer Voice defining yearly themes and offering many resources on Resident Rights training.
The 2026 theme, “Join Us at the Table,” reminds us that food and mealtimes are about much more than nutrition. Food connects us to our families, cultures, traditions, memories, and personal identities. Mealtimes can also provide meaningful opportunities for residents to exercise choice, express preferences, socialize, and build relationships. For activity professionals, this year’s theme provides many opportunities to bring residents’ voices to the table,
Consider the following ways to connect quality of life, resident rights and the enjoyment of our favorite foods:
- Create a Resident Recipe Book featuring favorite recipes and the stories behind them.
- Host a “Taste of Home” program where residents share foods, traditions, and memories.
- Create a “Food & Memories” discussion group around favorite childhood foods, holiday meals, or family traditions.
- Invite residents to participate in menu planning and share foods they would like to see offered. Menu planning may already be a part of your Resident Council procedures. Resident Council is an excellent way to discuss dining preferences and ways to improve the mealtime experience.
- Host a community meal that brings residents, families, and staff together around the table.
The most important part of any of these activities is to listen. When residents share their preferences and experiences, look for opportunities to act on what they tell you.
“Join Us at the Table” is ultimately about recognizing the individual behind the meal.
A favorite recipe may tell us about someone’s childhood.
A holiday tradition may tell us about family.
A simple food preference may remind us that choice, independence, and dignity matter.
And make sure every resident has a place at the table.
For additional Residents’ Rights Month resources, visit the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
For activity professionals interested in strengthening Resident Council,
see Developing a Resident Council, a NCCAP Pre-Approved 4.5-hour independent study program
available through DH Special Services.