Ombudsman Associates are volunteer advocates who seek to enhance the quality of life of long-term care consumers living in nursing homes and assisted living homes. They educate residents, family members and friends about the resources available to them through the Ombudsman program and about the Residents’ Rights. They visit an assigned Home, make observations on the environment and engage residents in conversations about the care and services that they are receiving.
Associates complete a report after each visit and submit it to the regional office. They document problems that they observed during their visit or were informed of by a resident, family member or friend. Many times it is through these reports that complaints and trends are identified that may need to be investigated by a staff ombudsman. It is common for Associates to work together with staff Ombudsman to investigate, resolve and follow-up on uncomplicated complaints.
