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Membership Information Who are the Members of CBC? People just like you. People who are interested in improving conditions in nursing homes, homes for the aged, adult foster care homes and other long term care services. CBC members come from all walks of life...the young...the elderly...middle aged. Why does CBC need me? The essence of CBC is membership. When volunteers advocate or staff members help a consumer of long term care or push for better care standards, it is done with the voice of hundreds of people statewide. Your involvement gives a direct message to the nursing home industry, politicians, government regulators, the media and the public that long term care needs to improve. Please join us! The Benefits With a minimum contribution of $25.00 you receive:
By joining Citizens for Better Care, you become part of the voice of thousands of people statewide who are fighting for consumers of long term care services. Please call 1-(800) 833-9548 *Owners, operators and employers of Long Term Care facilities can become "associates" with all benefits except voting privileges. Would You like to be a Volunteer? Volunteers work toward CBC goals by becoming advocates in nursing homes, joining the speaker's bureau, participating in policy committees, and helping with office work. The need for quality long term care has never been more essential. The need for a consumer organization that will look out for those needing long term care has never been greater. Become an Advocate Imagine getting so used to humiliation you don't care that someone left your bathroom door open as people walk by. Imagine being forced to choose between a bath and physical therapy. Imagine being penniless for months because of state welfare policy and Social Security computer problems. Imagine being left in your own waste for hours, with pleas for help ignored. Imagine no more. These problems are real. And they are problems upon which our volunteers have an impact. But the volunteer's job has a bright side. "I became a volunteer advocate to give of myself... instead I find I'm on the receiving end." Clarice Gann, Westland. In addition to being good listeners, volunteer advocates provide information and support to enable residents, on their own, to get concerns corrected. For Gann, this meant working to help residents get regular foot care. Volunteer advocates in the Citizens for Better Care Long Term Care Ombudsman program uphold the rights of Michigan's nursing home residents. Too often, nursing home residents are not treated with the respect they deserve, or granted the rights to which they are entitled. CBC volunteers work to ensure that residents are treated in the same way that non–institutionalized people take for granted. Trained volunteer advocates are the key to CBC's program. It is a serious volunteer job which can have a meaningful effect on the lives of nursing home residents. In many nursing homes the volunteer advocate is seen as a resource for staff as well as residents. Volunteer Training Volunteers attend at least six hours of training before they are assigned to a nursing home. Training acquaints them with life in nursing homes. This orientation includes information on:
Additional trainings are held regularly. Topics range from how to organize family councils to updates on new legislation. They also let volunteers meet and share experience. Volunteers initially visit their assigned nursing home with a staff member, someone they can continue to count on for guidance. "There were a lot of problems with the food... We worked real hard on that and finally they replaced the cook." Viola Benthin, Grand Rapids. Other Volunteer Opportunities Each CBC office has volunteer needs that enhance our work. Volunteers who:
How Do I Become A Volunteer? Send for an application or call the nearest CBC office. Next, you will meet with a CBC staff person to discuss the job further and determine if it is right for you.
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Long
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Site last updated 08/5/04