ConsumerVoice

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, operating as ConsumerVoice.org, is a non-profit advocacy organization founded in 1975 by Elma L. Holder. Initially established as the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR), its primary mission is to represent and empower consumers in issues related to long-term care. The organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., advocates for public policies that ensure quality care and protect the rights and dignity of residents in settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care.

Consumer Voice serves as a important source of information, tools, and support for consumers, their families, caregivers, and long-term care ombudsmen. A key achievement in its history was its instrumental role in the passage of the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, sustaining its work through donations, grants, and a membership program that offers benefits like discounted access to events and exclusive policy updates. It also operates the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC), which provides training and support to state and local ombudsman programs across the United States. The current Executive Director is Lori Smetanka, who leads the organization's advocacy, policy, and program activities.

Keywords: long-term care advocacy, resident rights, nursing home reform, quality of life, elder care, assisted living, consumer empowerment, public policy, long-term care ombudsman, senior advocacy, care quality, family support, caregiver resources, elder justice, home care, community-based care, residents' rights month, healthcare policy, non-profit organization, consumer protection