Michelle L. Cook

State Representative Michelle L. Cook (D – Torrington) has been named among the recipients of AARP-Connecticut’s 2021 Legislative Achievement Award for her leadership to protect Connecticut nursing home residents' rights and safeguard their access to a high level of care.

"Every nursing home resident should have a home-like environment where they feel secure, but that wasn't always the case in our long-term care facilities. This session, I was proud to introduce legislation that protects their right to privacy and safety, enhances their quality of life, and offer them the same rights as other residents in our state," said Rep. Cook.

During the 2021 legislative session, Representative Cook was a tireless advocate for nursing homes residents, their loved ones, and workers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to strengthen nursing home residents’ rights and improve the standard of care they receive. Representative Cook was a leader in addressing these issues, and we are grateful for her work and dedication,” said AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan.

During the 2021 legislative session, Rep. Cook championed legislation to strengthen the bill of rights for long-term care residents, empowering these residents to treat their living spaces as their homes. The law also establishes a process for residents to file grievances for violations of their rights.

Additionally, it protects residents' right to communicate privately with individuals of their choosing, including virtual visitations from loved ones, and permits the installation of video cameras.

AARP-Connecticut is a nonpartisan organization with a member base of approximately 600,000 adults who are 50 years and older.  Its mission is to create comfortable communities for people of all ages as they work, age, and retire through public policy development, advocacy and providing critical health and financial services for its members.