The Ombudsman

The mission of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is to investigate and work to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of the residents of long term care facilities and to advocate for changes needed to improve the quality of life and care in those facilities.

The Ombudsman Role

• to visit each nursing home twice each month to have personal, private contact with residents.
• to assist in resolving problems reported to them by residents, their family members or other concerned individuals and help in the resolution of complaints.
• to observe the environment of the facility and the quality of care and advocate for positive changes.
• to provide information to residents and their family members regarding a resident's rights and to protect these rights.
• to work toward improving conditions and services to all residents in long term care facilities.

How Can The Ombudsman Help?

• The Ombudsman can give you information on how to select a nursing or rest home.
• The Ombudsman can give you information about resident's rights.
• The Ombudsman can assist you if you have a concern or problem regarding a nursing or rest home.
• The Ombudsman can give you information regarding the long term care system.
• Ombudsmen visit facilities regularly, getting to know each resident. They hold all conversations in confidence. They will assist and work on a presented problem or concern only with the consent of the resident.
• If you, or a loved one, are a resident of a nursing or rest home and are having a problem with a facility, ask the Ombudsman for assistance in resolving the situation.
• The local Ombudsman program is sponsored by Elder Services.