A Long Term Care Certified Ombudsman is a dedicated, trained volunteer committed to improving the quality of care of residents in New York State long term care facilities. Ombudsmen make a difference in the lives of a vulnerable population by listening to residents and their families and helping them to understand and exercise their rights to quality care and quality of life. The Certified Ombudsman confidentially assist residents and family members with the following services:
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Identifying, investigating, and resolving individual and systematic complaints around quality of care and resident rights
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Educating residents and families in understanding their rights as residents
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Connecting long-term care facility residents to the person(s) responsible for their care
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Empowering residents and families on how to express their concerns and makes referrals to other appropriate community and advocacy agencies
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Receiving and answering questions from individuals regarding financial, social, family, or legal issues
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Protecting and advocating for the rights of persons living in long term care facilities
Comprehensive training is required to become a Certified Ombudsman and is coordinated by the program. A weekly time commitment is also required to be a volunteer Ombudsman.
