The Volunteer Ombudsman...

A volunteer ombudsman is a community volunteer who has been certified by the Department of Aging to advocate on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities. The ombudsmen are mandated, under Federal & State law, to identify, investigate & resolve complaints made by or on behalf of the residents in Skilled Nursing facilities & Assistant Living facilities (board & care).

Duties: Complete the State Certification Training of not less than 36 hours and also complete at least 12 hours of continuous education per year. This is accomplished through local training events.

Be present at assigned facilities on a regular basis for the purpose of identifying, investigating and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities.

Attend monthly case-management meetings.

Keep records, as required, and make monthly reports.

Provide Ombudsman advocacy services in a manner consistent with the Federal and State requirements, as well as the local program policy and procedures.

If you would like to receive more information about
becoming an Ombudsman volunteer, call us or write: