Make A Difference

Make a Difference for a Nursing Home Resident

What is the Ombudsman Program?
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is an advocacy service for consumers of long term care, either in an institution or in the community. The Ombudsman investigates complaints and helps to resolve problems and concerns consumers may have about the long term care services they receive.

What do volunteer Ombudsman Associates do in the Program?
Trained, community based volunteers are an integral part of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Ombudsman volunteers commit to visiting a nursing home once a week. While at the home, Volunteer Ombudsman visit with residents to educate them about their rights under Ohio law and monitor nursing homes for compliance with the Residents= Bill of Rights. In addition, volunteers work closely with the program=s paid staff members to monitor arising situations and provide follow-up and feedback upon complaint resolution. Often, volunteers can resolve issues on their own and are usually the first to recognize a problem when it arises in a home.

What kind of training is required?
Volunteer Ombudsman Associates receive an initial 10 hours of training, then are paired with an experienced volunteer Ombudsman for Aon-the-job@ training. Upon completion of the training, volunteers receive on-going supervision and, each year, are required to complete continuing education units in residents= rights, problem solving, interviewing skills, and working with the health care system. There is no charge to the volunteer for the training.

Why are volunteer Ombudsman important?
Volunteer Ombudsman improve the quality of life for nursing facility residents by listening to and working for their needs and interests. For some facility residents, the Ombudsman Volunteer may be the only advocate acting on their behalf. Since residents are in the home on a regular basis, they can monitor the quality of care residents' receive and develop relationships to ensure the best quality of care.

How can I become involved in the Ombudsman Program as a volunteer?
To learn more about the Volunteer Ombudsman program, contact the Coordinator of Volunteers, Brenda Burbick at 1-800-589-5826 or b.burbick@aaa11.org.