Long-term care Ombudsmen, a position established through the Older Americans Act in 1972, are advocates for residents of nursing homes, family care homes and assisted living facilities. They provide information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care. Ombudsmen are also trained to resolve and mediate problems if the resident gives them permission to share concerns.
Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) houses the Ombudsman program that serves our nine-county region. We have three Ombudsman who serve over 17,000 residents living in long-term care homes. Debi Lee, Centralina AAA Assistant Director and former Ombudsman, explains, “People who live in long-term care have lost so much—independence, dignity and control. Having a specific advocate who can assist the resident in negotiation, persuasion and mediation to resolve concerns gives them hope that things can improve.”
On any given day, the Ombudsman will visit residents of long-term care facilities, talk to them about concerns and work to determine the best course of action to resolve complaints. They also provide technical assistance to residents, families and the general community on a variety of long-term care and aging questions. You might find them conducting training for staff or residents on residents’ rights, aging sensitivity or other important topics. Many Ombudsmen also serve on local, state and national Ombudsman associations and work groups to advocate for systemic improvements.
An Ombudsman is always on-the-go and working to protect and advocate for residents living in our long-term care facilities. The job is never boring and never the same from one day to the next. Being an Ombudsman is hard work, but is also rewarding when helping to protect and improve the quality of life for residents.
In summary, Centralina Ombudsman:
- Advocate for residents’ rights and quality care in nursing homes, family care homes and assisted living communities.
- Resolve complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities.
- Educate consumers and long-term care providers about residents’ rights and good care practices.
- Promote community involvement through volunteer opportunities.
- Promote the development of citizen organizations, family councils and resident councils.
Long-term care Ombudsmen efforts are summarized in the National Ombudsman Reporting System (click here for current NORS data) to include the number of facilities visited, the types of complaints handled and the kinds of complaints filed with ombudsmen. Data has been collected since 1996 and includes an overview of Ombudsman activities in every state. To learn more about Ombudsman, you can also watch the short video “What is an Ombudsman” here.
If you have a question or concern for a loved one or someone living in a long-term care facilities, you may reach our Ombudsman at 800-508-5777.
Sound like an interesting job? Centralina is currently hiring for TWO Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Portions of the article are from the National Consumer Voice. https://ltcombudsman.org/about/about-ombudsman
