Long-term care ombudsman ... What’s that?

    Our purpose: We are a free advocacy service mandated by the Older Americans Act to help all nursing home and assisted living residents maintain their quality of life by ensuring that their rights are protected. We work to resolve problems of individual residents and to bring about changes at the local, state and national levels to improve care.
    While most residents receive good care in long-term care facilities, far too many are neglected, and other unfortunate incidents of psychological, physical and other kinds of abuse do occur. Thus, ombudsman regularly visit long-term care facilities, monitor conditions and care, and provide a voice for those unable to speak for themselves.
    Who we help: Residents, families and friends of long-term care residents are encouraged to contact the ombudsman at any time for any reason. We know the ins and outs of long-term care.
    Some residents have a support system that can communicate on their behalf and monitor their care. Others have outlived their family and friends and are totally reliant on the facility. We work with facility staff, hospice, adult protection and others to ensure that the resident has a voice. We encourage staff to let us know if they believe that a resident needs our help.
    What we do: Within facilities, we help with  things as simple as hot coffee or negotiating shower times. If you are feeling uncomfortable for any reason, your ombudsman will listen and keep what you say confidential until you give us permission to act. We also investigate serious violations of residents’ rights. Substandard care, verbal or physical abuse, privacy, and the right to self-determination are examples.

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