Pennsylvania DMVA Implements Standardized Grievance Policy at State Veterans Homes

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Residents' Rights Month and its importance to the quality of life and care for those residing in long-term care facilities, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has standardized the resident grievance policy at its six state veterans homes.

"Our goal has always been to resolve resident grievances in a timely manner and guarantee that all residents have the right to voice their opinion without fear of reprisal," said Andrew Ruscavage, director of DMVA's Bureau of Veterans' Homes. "By standardizing the process across our six facilities we can ensure conformity to federal and state regulations for residents' rights and resolve grievances more quickly."

Residents' Rights Month is held every October by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. The theme this year is CARE Matters, with the goals of increasing awareness of the rights of individuals receiving long-term care services and encouraging residents, family members, advocates, and providers to support these rights, thereby protecting a vulnerable population.

"Our staff is dedicated to treating residents with the dignity and respect they deserve," said Ruscavage. "We encourage veterans or their families to contact us to find out how we can help them meet their long-term care needs."

The six homes serve more than 1,500 eligible veterans. They include the Delaware Valley Veterans' Home in Philadelphia, the Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center in Scranton, the Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home in Hollidaysburg, the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie, the Southeastern Veterans' Center in Spring City, and the Southwestern Veterans' Center in Pittsburgh.

The grievance form, information about veterans' home eligibility and volunteer opportunities can be found at State Veterans Homes System. Follow DMVA on Facebook or Twitter.

Media contact:  Joan Nissley, 717-861-8720

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Related Links

http://www.dmva.state.pa.us