NYS Long-Term Care Ombudsman - Region 15

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) was created in 1972 and is established in all states under the Older Americans Act administered by the Administration on Aging.  This advocacy program provides opportunities for residents of long term care facilities and their families to voice problems and concerns that impact their quality of life and care.  The role of the LTCOP is important in helping ensure the safety and welfare of thousands of New York State long term care residents.

People, Inc. administers the LTCOP in Region 15 which covers the counties of Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua. The program is dually funded by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL). 

For senior adults who live in nursing homes, assisted living and other licensed adult care homes, the volunteers of Region 15 NYS Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program offer free problem resolution and advocacy services throughout Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties to ensure quality of life and care. 

Through a certification training process, ombudsmen volunteers are matched with long term care residents so they can serve as an advocate for the resident's care and rights. Ombudsmen are trained to properly listen to, investigate and help resolve concerns on behalf of long-term care residents.