National Long-Term Care Awareness Month 2025

November is National Long-Term Care Awareness Month. The observance began to help families think ahead about aging and long-term care needs. Over time, it has also become a reminder of the need for safe, reliable care for those already living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

For many residents, nursing home staff handle essential tasks such as meals, medications, hygiene, and mobility. When these responsibilities are overlooked, nursing home neglect can occur. Neglect puts residents at risk for infections, falls, and other serious complications that can quickly become life-threatening.

What Is National Long-Term Care Awareness Month?

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month was first promoted by members of the insurance industry to raise awareness about planning for elder care. Planning ahead is important, but awareness should also extend to what happens after someone enters long-term care.

For the millions of older adults already living in nursing homes and assisted living communities, awareness also means more than financial preparation. It should include making sure that residents are treated with dignity and protected from harm.

Families can use this time to check in with loved ones, review care plans, and speak up about any concerns. Regular visits can improve a resident’s quality of life and reduce the risk of nursing home abuse or neglect, which often goes unnoticed when seniors are isolated.

Placing attention on long-term care in November reminds us that awareness must extend beyond planning for tomorrow. It must also protect those who rely on these systems today.

Why Are Older Adults at Risk of Harm in Long-Term Care Facilities?

Many nursing homes and assisted living communities face chronic staffing challenges that can increase the risk of harm for residents. When staff are stretched thin or management overlooks warning signs, serious cases of nursing home neglect and abuse can occur.

Common factors that put older adults at risk in long-term care facilities include:

Burnout and fatigue among staff who work long shifts with limited support
Corporate cost-cutting that reduces staffing levels or essential resources
Inadequate training for aides and nurses responsible for complex care
Isolation of residents who rarely see family or outside advocates
Poor management oversight that allows unsafe conditions to persist
Understaffing issues that make it impossible to meet every resident’s daily needs

Each of these factors is preventable when facilities prioritize proper staffing, supervision, and quality care.

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month encourages families to pay attention to these risks and take action to protect their loved ones. Simple steps like visiting regularly, observing conditions, and reporting concerns can make a real difference.

Protecting Residents During Long-Term Care Awareness Month 2025

November is more than a reminder to plan for aging. It’s a time to make sure older adults in long-term care facilities are safe, supported, and treated with dignity. Families play a critical role in making that happen.

Visit and Check In Regularly

Frequent visits are one of the most effective ways to protect loved ones in long-term care. Regular contact helps residents feel supported and gives families a chance to notice minor problems before they turn into serious neglect.

During visits, here are 5 things to pay attention to:

Appearance: Sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, or unchanged clothing
Environment: Dirty rooms, strong odors, or unsafe conditions like clutter or spills
Emotional state: Fearful behavior or reluctance to speak around staff
Physical signs: Bruises, bedsores, or unexplained injuries
Care routines: Missed meals, skipped medications, or long waits for assistance

If something feels off, trust your instincts. Take notes, document what you see, and report concerns to your state’s long-term care ombudsman or Adult Protective Services. In an emergency, call 911.

Review Care Plans and Ask Questions

Understanding how care is provided helps families protect their loved ones. Ask about staffing levels, what plans are in place to avoid medication errors, and any changes in behavior or medical needs.

Keep notes and follow up until concerns are resolved. When families stay involved, minor problems are less likely to become serious.

Raise Awareness and Speak Up

Use November to start conversations about what safe, respectful care should look like. Share information about residents’ rights and encourage others to stay connected to loved ones in long-term care.

If your family has experienced abuse or neglect, telling your story can raise awareness and help other families find help and seek justice.

Take Action After Harm in Long-Term Care

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month is a time to stay connected, ask questions, and make sure older adults receive the care they deserve. Every visit, conversation, and report helps protect residents from neglect and prevent future harm.

The Nursing Home Abuse Center helps families whose loved ones have suffered harm in long-term care facilities. We work with trusted legal partners to seek justice and compensation for residents who were abused or neglected.

If you believe someone you love has been mistreated in a nursing home, get a free case review today. Our team is here to listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take action to hold the facility accountable.