WHAT DOES AN OMBUDSMAN DO?
What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman seeks to improve the quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities. These facilities include nursing homes and personal care homes, often called assisted living facilities and Board and Care Homes in some areas.
What does an Ombudsman do?
- Investigates and works to resolve problems or complaints affecting long-term care facility residents.
- Identifies problem areas in long-term care and advocates for change.
- Provides information about long-term care and related services.
- Promotes resident, family, and community involvement in long-term care.
- Educates the community about the needs of long-term care residents.
- Coordinates efforts with other agencies concerned with long-term care issues.
- Visits long-term care facilities routinely to talk to residents and monitor conditions.
- Educates facility staff about resident rights and other issues.
What Concerns does the LTC Ombudsman Address?
- Violation of residents’ rights and/or dignity
- Physical, verbal, or mental abuse; deprivation of services necessary to maintain residents’ physical and mental health; or unreasonable confinement
- Poor quality of care, including inadequate personal hygiene and slow response to requests for assistance.
- Improper transfer or discharge of patient
- Inappropriate use of chemical or physical restraints
- Any resident concern about quality of care or quality of life
