An Ombudsman:
- Offers ideas about how to work effectively with nursing and rest home staff
- Helps with choosing the right home
- Keeps resident concerns confidential
- Resolves complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities
- Educates residents about their rights
- Advocates for residents' rights and quality care in nursing homes, personal care, residential care and other long-term care facilities
Concerns an Ombudsman may address:
- Violation of residents' rights or dignity
- Lack of services needed to maintain physical and mental health
- Unreasonable confinement
- Poor quality of care, including adequate personal hygiene and slow response to requests for assistance
- improper transfer, discharge or eviction of resident
- Inappropriate use of chemical or physical restraints
- Any resident concern about quality of care or quality of life
*How an Ombudsman can help you evaluate a Long-Term Care Facility
Choosing a long term facility is a difficult decision. The ombudsman program offers different services and advice on how to choose the best long term care facilities to fit your needs. It is important to include the person who needs care in making decisions whenever possible. Always keep their needs and preferences in mind.
The ombudsman program can:
- Discuss your individual situation confidentially.
- Help you understand different placement options.
- Summarize the services offered by different long term care facilities.
- Answer questions about appropriate facilities.
- Help you understand the Department of Public Health Certification Survey.
- Offer guidance in helping the individual adjust to their new home.
- Offer guidance on how to promote good care and prevent problems with staff.
- Explain guardianship, durable power of attorney and health care proxy