More than 2,000 residents of the Barren River area are living in long term care facilities.

On Oct. 9, over 100 of them were able to come together.

The Nursing Home Resident Council Conference was held at Warren Central High School.

The event was in celebration of National Term Care Resident's Rights Week.

The gathering included several group discussions concerning the importance of strong relationships with family and friends after placement.

"We just think that on an annual basis, that it's a good idea for the whole community to meet nursing home residents in a setting other than the facility. It's just to remind them that they're just as much a part of the community as they ever were," explained District Ombudsman Ruth Morgan.

The highlight of the event was a luncheon featuring tables specifically decorated by 16 community clubs and organizations.

Information gathered at the conference will be used by several area programs to better assist nursing home residents visit their loved ones.