Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The primary purpose of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is to improve the quality of life, care, and environment of long-term care residents.

The Ombudsman Program specifically assists consumers of long-term care services. The Ombudsman works with the resident to seek resolution of concerns or complaints related to the provision of long-term care services.

Often, residents of long-term care facilities have concerns that they are afraid to voice for fear of retribution. Residents can also be unaware of what services are available or what their rights are.

The Ombudsman Program is an attempt to provide residents with a method by which their complaints can be heard and resolved, if possible.

The ombudsman serves as a consumer representative, mediator, educator, and advocate in her/his role to resolve complaints.

The program goals are accomplished through a cooperative approach between providers, regulators, residents, families and the ombudsman.

Mission

As mandated by the Older American’s Act, the mission of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) is to seek resolution of problems and advocate for the rights of residents of long term care facilities with the goal of enhancing the quality of life and care of residents.