The Long-Term Ombudsman Program

is authorized by the Federal Older Americans Act.  This act requires every state, through the Office on Aging, to create a statewide ombudsman program to “investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of older individuals who are residents of long-term care facilities” (including nursing homes, assisted living and board care facilities).

An Ombudsman can also provide information about:

  • How to find a facility and what to do to get quality care;
  • Information on and assistance with family and resident councils; and
  • Information about current legislative and regulatory efforts in the state.

An Ombudsman is…

an advocate for residents of long-term care facilities, board and care homes, and assisted living.  They are trained and certified to resolve problems, address complaints, advocate for improvements in the long-term care system, to have the responsibility to negotiate on a resident’s behalf, and to work with other state agencies for effective enforcement.

ALL OMBUDSMAN SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL TO THOSE WHO SEEK OUR HELP.