Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman receives services, investigates and resolves complaints or problems concerning residents of long-term health care facilities. The program also provides advocacy services to long-term care facility residents, and comments on existing and proposed legislation, regulations and policies affecting long-term care residents. Education is provided to residents, family members and facility staff concerning the legal rights of residents.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman activities are organized around three major areas, Prevention, Intervention and Advocacy:

Prevention

• Education and consultation to both staff and individuals on issues affecting residents in long-term care facilities;

• Problem solving before a crisis occurs and to make recommendations to facility administration and staff concerning needed changes in policy and procedures;

• Information and referral to help connect persons to the best available resources; and

• Regular visitation services to residents by Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers to try and identify and resolve issues before they become complaints or serious problems.

Continued