CALL CENTER: 800-339-4661

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteer

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is one of the many opportunities the Health and Human Services Agency offers older adults to help out and volunteer in their communities. The Ombudsman program welcomes and trains new volunteers to visit long-term care facilities to advocate for the rights of residents and ensure they receive quality care.

What is an Ombudsman? 

An ombudsman is a volunteer who assists residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and adult day health care facilities. They provide an on-going presence in long-term care facilities, monitor care and conditions and provide a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves.

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  • Ombudsman Responsibilities

    Responsibilities as outlined in Title VII of the Older Americans Act:

    • Identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities;
    • Provide information to residents about long-term care services;
    • Educate and inform consumers and the general public regarding issues and concerns related to long-term care, including rights, issues of abuse, physical and chemical restraints, transfer and discharge concerns, as well as privacy and confidentiality;
    • Provide technical support for the development and maintenance of resident and family councils;
    • Witness advance directives

Do these descriptions fit you? 

  • Able to communicate well orally and in writing.
  • Resourceful in managing a variety of situations.
  • Able to work on a problem until it is solved.
  • Open-minded, non-judgmental, fair.
  • Tactful and diplomatic.
  • Honest.
  • Good listener.
  • Able to determine the true nature of the problem behind a complaint.
  • Want to make a difference in the lives of seniors and the disabled.

Can you do the following? 

  • Attend a 36-hour initial training?
  • Attend 12 hours of training annually?
  • Commit up to 20 hours of volunteer time each month?

If yes, then you would make an excellent ombudsman! Click here for an application to become a Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer. Just print it out, fill it in and mail to the address listed on the top of the application.

For more information call the Ombudsman office at 800-640-4661 or send us an email.