Volunteer Ombudsman Program - Ombudsman Volunteer
The volunteer ombudsman program, also known as the ombudsman volunteer program is mandated by the Federal Older Americans Act. The volunteer ombudsman program is looking for volunteers to visit residents in nursing homes, adult family homes, boarding homes and in some veteran's homes.
The purpose of the volunteer ombudsman program is to promote and protect residents rights, improve the quality of life and care for residents and to assist in empowering residents to become self-advocates. This work can not be done without the ombudsman volunteer program. In short, the ombudsman volunteer program is the safety net for all residents in long term care facilities.
What Does a Volunteer Ombudsman do?
The volunteer ombudsman listens to questions, concerns, works with residents, families, staff, local, and state agencies and other organizations or resolve problems or answer questions. Your volunteer ombudsman will:
• Advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities
• Provide an effective means for the resolution of concerns about the quality of life in long-term care facilities
• Work with residents, families, operators, and staff of facilities to meet the needs and concerns of those who live there
• Monitor laws, regulations, and policies which affect those who live in long-term care facilities
• Provide public education to promote a better understanding about the use of long-term care facilities
• Help residents, family, staff, and operators of facilities establish a resident council and family council
Who can use the Volunteer Ombudsman Program?
• Residents of nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes, and veteran's homes
• Relative and friends of residents in long-term care facilities
• Administrators and employees of long-term care facilities
• Any group or individual concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities
• The community at large
Why do residents and their families need an Volunteer Ombudsman?
• Many frail and vulnerable residents cannot speak up for their needs and desires
• Some residents are alone and have no close relatives or regular visitors
• Long-distance caregivers appreciate knowing someone is looking out for their loved ones
Volunteer Ombudsman educate residents of their rights
A facility should care for its residents in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident's quality of life. A resident should have a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment. Resident’s rights in a long term care facility are, in brief:
• To be informed of your rights, the rules and policies of the facility, and to be told of all services available and all costs, including those charges covered or not included in the basic rate
• To be informed of your health condition, to participate in planning care and treatment or refuse any treatment, and to have your personal and medical records treated as confidential
• To be transferred or discharged only after written notice is given and only for increased medical needs, safety, or non-payment To be encouraged to exercise your rights as a resident and citizen, to complain and suggest without fear of coercion or retaliation
• To manage your financial affairs, or if this is delegated, to receive regular accounting
• To be free of mental and physical abuse and of chemical and physical restraints
• To participate in social, religious, and community activities, as possible
• To have your own clothing and possessions and be allowed to use them as space permits
• To have privacy for visits and telephone calls, and to send and receive personal mail unopened
Contact your state ombudsman about the Volunteer Ombudsman Program .