Volunteer Ombudsman Program
What is a Long-Term Care Volunteer Ombudsman Program?
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, as mandated by the Federal Older Americans Act, needs volunteer ombudsmen to promote and protect residents' rights and improve the quality of life for residents who live in licensed long-term care facilities.
Residents in long-term care facilities are guaranteed certain rights by federal and state laws and regulations. The purpose of the volunteer ombudsman program is to protect and promote those residents' rights in long-term care facilities and assist in empowering residents to become self-advocates.
What does a Volunteer Ombudsman do?
An Ombudsman is a volunteer who listens to concerns and questions and works with residents, families, staff, local, and state agencies and other organizations or resolve problems or answer questions. Your ombudsman will:
- Advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities
- Provide an effective means for the resolution of concerns about the quality of life in long-term care facilities
- Work with residents, families, operators, and staff of facilities to meet the needs and concerns of those who live there
- Monitor laws, regulations, and policies which affect those who live in long-term care facilities
- Provide public education to promote a better understanding about the use of long-term care facilities
- Help residents, family, staff, and operators of facilities establish a resident and family council
Who can use the Ombudsman program?
- Residents of nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes, and veteran's homes
- Relative and friends of residents in long-term care facilities
- Administrators and employees of long-term care facilities
- Any group or individual concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities
- The community at large
Why do residents and their families need an Volunteer Ombudsman?
- Many frail and vulnerable residents cannot speak up for their needs and desires
- Some residents are alone and have no close relatives or regular visitors
- Long-distance caregivers appreciate knowing someone is looking out for their loved ones
Volunteer Ombudsman educate residents of their rights
A facility should care for its residents in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident's quality of life. A resident should have a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment. Resident’s rights in a long-term care facility are, in brief:
- To be informed of your rights, the rules and policies of the facility, and to be told of all services available and all costs, including those charges covered or not included in the basic rate
- To be informed of your health condition, to participate in planning care and treatment or refuse any treatment, and to have your personal and medical records treated as confidential
To be transferred or discharged only after written notice is given and only for increased medical needs, safety, or non-payment To be encouraged to exercise your rights as a resident and citizen, to complain and suggest without fear of coercion or retaliation
To manage your financial affairs, or if this is delegated, to receive regular accounting
To be free of mental and physical abuse and of chemical and physical restraints
To participate in social, religious, and community activities, as possible
To have your own clothing and possessions and be allowed to use them as space permits
To have privacy for visits and telephone calls, and to send and receive personal mail unopened
Contact your ombudsman about the Volunteer Ombudsman Program state ombudsman.
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