By Michelle Rowe
Advocacy is about more than policies; it’s about people willing to step up and make change happen. I’m Michelle Rowe, Resident Council President, and I was able to sit with federal officials at the 48th Annual National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care Conference, which represented more than just a meeting. It was a chance to bring the experiences, insights, and concerns of our community to the national stage.
Joining residents from across the country, I shared a conversation with policymakers that wasn’t about checking boxes or meeting quotas. This was a moment to represent the realities of daily life in long-term care and to ensure that our voices, needs, and ideas help shape the policies that impact us all.
“Imagine sitting face-to-face with the decision-makers who affect your daily life—who decide on policies that touch where we live, how we’re cared for, and what our futures look like.” – Michelle Rowe
In this private, closed-door session, we didn’t hold back. We talked about the challenges we face, offered solutions, and brainstormed ways to create better support systems within long-term care. Although the details of the conversation are confidential, the significance of this dialogue cannot be overstated. Real change begins when those impacted by policies are heard at the table, not just represented in the paperwork.
This experience has opened doors for continued advocacy. I’ve been invited to participate in bi-monthly virtual meetings alongside residents nationwide. We’ll discuss our evolving concerns, share insights, and talk about ways to improve life in our communities. Through these ongoing meetings, I’m committed to making sure that the voices of our residents remain loud and clear.
And this is just the start. I’m excited about attending future conferences and continuing these important conversations. With each opportunity, we’re adding momentum to a movement that places residents at the heart of policy discussions.
How SFCJL is Supporting Resident Advocacy
While SFCJL wasn’t in the room for the conference, their commitment to resident advocacy remains steadfast. Empowering residents to speak up for themselves and each other is an integral part of their mission. I know that my involvement is just the beginning—SFCJL is exploring ways for other Resident Council members to participate in future advocacy efforts. Former President Ron Martorana, a strong advocate himself, had planned to join me but could not attend due to a prior scheduled event. I’m hopeful that more of our council members will have the chance to represent us at similar events down the road.
Looking Ahead
These bi-monthly meetings will provide insights that we can use to continually improve our community here at SFCJL. By gathering feedback and staying actively engaged in national advocacy, we’re helping to shape the future of long-term care, both for ourselves and others in similar communities. All I can say is that I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent SFCJL residents on the national stage, and I look forward to seeing the positive changes we can bring to our community and beyond.
Note: Patient names have been changed to protect their privacy.