Ombudsman Program
The Ombudsman Program gives long-term care facility residents and their families a voice. Ombudsmen advocate on behalf of long-term care facility residents to uphold residents' rights and address quality of care and quality of life issues through mediation, education, and information. Ombudsmen monitor the implementation of federal, state and local laws governing long-term care facilities, and work to educate the public, residents, family members, and facility staff regarding elder abuse prevention, detection, and reporting requirements. For a full listing of Region J long-term care facilities and more information, please visit www.tjaaa.org. (Long-term care facilities are defined as nursing homes and adult care homes.)
The Ombudsman Program:
- Investigates and works to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities.
- Educates people about their rights and the rules and regulations governing long-term care facilities.
- Provides training and technical assistance to Community Advisory Committees (appointed volunteers) and long-term care facilities.
- Works with long-term care providers to resolve issues of concern.
- Promotes community involvement with long-term care facilities and residents.
- Collects and analyzes data about complaints.
- Mediates when residents have difficulty exercising their rights.
- Provides information to public agencies, legislators, and the general public on issues affecting long-term care.
Statewide, this program works through an advocacy network consisting of one state ombudsman, twenty-eight regional ombudsmen, and approximately 1,200 local Community Advisory Committee volunteers or grassroots ombudsmen.
Region J Ombudsmen Contact Information
Region J has 4 full-time ombudsmen, a program associate, and approximately 170 Community Advisory Committee members. Region J ombudsmen provide training and technical assistance to the region's Community Advisory Committee.
Ombudsman Program Secure FAX Line: 919.998.8101
