Senior Citizens become an Ombudsman

• What is an Ombudsman? Ombudsmen are volunteers who respond to complaints on behalf of those living in long-term care facilities that include nursing homes, board and care, and residential care facilities.

• What do Ombudsmen Do? Typically, an ombudsman would work on any of the following cases:
  
  • A nursing home failed to take care of the feet of a diabetic patient who subsequently had to have both legs amputated.
    
  • The elderly wife of a resident had problems understanding the "share of cost" Medicade arrangement, and her husband was in danger of being discharged against his will.
    
  • A hospital emergency room nurse complained about a patient who was admitted from a residental care home in a fetal position, with contracted arms and legs, and severely dehydrated. She was concerned that the facility was not properly licenced.

Working an average of 3-4 hours weekly, ombudsmen investigate complaints like these, formulate strategies for dealing with them, and put them into action. Ombudsmen work closely with facility personnel, regulatory and enforcement agencies, family members, and other interested parties.

Ombudsmen, Inc., puts all qualified candidates through a free state-approved (in California -- check with you state) training course. Most states have legislative specific authority and powers to certified long-term care ombudsman that enable to you to carry out your responsibilities without duress from those operating long-term care facilities or others. For more information, contact your state agency on aging.