TLC 4 Long Term Care Residents came into being as an outgrowth of a nursing home's family council. During their meetings it became apparent that almost all of the problems at this nursing home could be ameliorated by having adequate numbers of well-trained staff. After the administration refused to increase the numbers of direct care providers (Certified Nursing Assistants), the group soon came to realize that the problems encountered encompassed not only this nursing home, but all of the nursing homes in Northern Virginia, the state and finally the country. They then decided to invite relatives and friends of other nursing homes to join in establishing TLC 4 LTCR.
TLC 4 LTCR is an all volunteer organization comprised of individuals committed to obtaining quality care for Virginia's most vulnerable adults, nursing home residents.
Working for quality care, TLC 4 LTCR:
- Founded the “Nursing Home Alternative Project” (NHAP) which is a group of people who are looking at ways to deinstitutionalize nursing centers by creating homes of 8-10 people that will provide a homelike existence for our frail elderly citizens. 2007-ongoing
- Supported bills by Delegate Vivian Watts that would define and increase the number of caregiving hours provided to each resident by staff members (most notably, Certified Nursing Assistants) in nursing homes. 2002--ongoing.
- Expanded to include family members of nursing homes throughout the state and in 2001 established a TLC4LTCR chapter in Roanoke
- Originated a state-wide petition which was presented to the long term care sub-committee of the Education and Health Committee
- Developed a letter writing operation and a post card campaign which was directed to members of the Joint Health Care Commission
- Created a minimum staffing bill which was introduced by Senator Leslie Byrne in the 2001 and 2002 legislative sessions
- Ensured that the "Felons" bill, which would have allowed felons convicted of domestic violence to work in nursing homes, was defeated.
- Testified before the members of the Long Term Care Sub-committee many times
- Made and continues to make personal visits to legislators
- Received the support of the National Citizens' Coalition of Nursing Home Reform and NOVA NOW
- Presents educational programs during the year which include speakers from various enforcement agencies, national and state legislators, advocacy organizations, etc.
- Meets with other advocates in various locations throughout the state
- Works closely with NVAN (Northern Virginia Aging Network)
