Ombudsman Protects Rights And Quality Of Life And Care
The long term care ombudsman advocates for residents' rights, quality of life and care in nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes and veterans homes. The long term care ombudsman has the power, based on federal and state law, to protect residents' rights. Ombudsmen can investigate complaints and work with long term care facilities to respond to any concerns on residents behalf.
Residents have rights, nursing home rights and they are vital to all residents, without rights in nursing homes there would be resident abuse, neglect and poor care. Under the bill of rights every person is entitled to certain rights, whether the person is living in a nursing home or living at home. The residents’ bills of rights are just as powerful and important as the bill of rights; rights of residents protect the health, safety, and welfare for all residents in long term care facilities.
The long term care ombudsman was mandated to protect residents' rights, family rights, resident council rights and family council rights. The resident council rights are important to the well being of the residents as is the family council rights.
The ombudsman offers free nursing home rights information that can assist families in how to choose a nursing home. The more information you have about a long term care facility, the better chance you have to choose a nursing home that will protect residents' rights and provide quality of life and care.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman
Ombudsman responsibilities outlined in the Older Americans Act include:
- Identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents;
- Provide information to residents about long-term care services;
- Represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies to protect residents;
- Analyze, comment on and recommend changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents;
- Educate and inform consumers and the general public regarding issues and concerns related to long-term care and facilitate public comment on laws, regulations, policies and actions;
- Promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the program;
- Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents; and
- Advocate for changes to improve residents’ quality of life and care.
Volunteer Ombudsmen can help residents and their families and friends understand and exercise rights that are guaranteed by law, both at the federal and state level.
The volunteer ombudsman program is looking for volunteer ombudsmen nationwide to protect residents' rights. If you would like to volunteer your time to help others, contact your state ombudsman. Our grandparents, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, and brothers and sisters need your help.
Back Continue Home
|
|