Long Term Care Ombudsman - Protect Residents' Rights
The long term care ombudsman advocates for residents' rights, quality of life and care in long term care facilities (nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes and veterans' homes). The long term care ombudsman has the power, based on federal and state law, to protect residents' rights. Ombudsmen investigate resident and family member complaints and work with long term care facilities to respond to any concerns on residents behalf.
Residents have rights in long term care facilities, they are vital, without rights in long term care there would be resident abuse, neglect and poor care. Under the bill of rights every person is entitled to certain rights, whether the person is living in a facility or living at home. The residents’ bills of rights are just as powerful and important as the bill of rights; rights of residents protect the health, safety, and welfare for all residents in long term care facilities.
The long term care ombudsman was mandated to protect residents' rights, family rights, resident council rights and family council rights. Resident council rights protect the well being of residents living in long term care facilities. Family council rights protect the rights of family in long term care facilities.
The ombudsman offers information that can assist families in how to choose a long term care facility. The more information you have about a long term care facility, the better chance you have to choose a facility that will protect residents' rights, family rights and provide residents quality care.
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Ombudsman responsibilities outlined in the Older Americans Act included:
The volunteer ombudsman program is looking for volunteer ombudsmen nationwide to protect residents' rights. If you would like to volunteer your time to help others, contact your state ombudsman.
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