The first Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was established in 1972, shortly after in 1978 the Older Americans Act (OAA) was put in place. The act required all states to establish an Ombudsman program that was a local community program utilizing volunteers.
So what is a long-term ombudsman?
A long-term care ombudsman is an advocate for residents in elder care facilities, board and care homes and assisted living facilities. All 50 states have ombudsman offices operating under federal law to help families and residents in elder care facilities. There are over 8,155 volunteers certified to help handle complaints throughout the United States.
An ombudsman is trained to help resolve problems and assist patients or families when filing complaints. All matters are kept confidential unless specified otherwise.
A long-term care ombudsman can be beneficial in many ways, including:
- Resolve complaints made for or by residents of long-term care facilities.
- Educate consumers and long-term care providers about resident’s rights and good care practices.
- Promote community involvement.
- Provides public information on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and services, residents rights and legislative and policy issues.
In New York there are currently 31 local ombudsman programs throughout the state covering 59 counties. Click here to view the most up to date list of New York local offices for aging. To find out more about James W. McCracken the elected New Jersey Ombudsman click here.
Making the decision to put a loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility is never easy. It is important that both you and your relative feel that you are choosing a facility that will have their comfort, safety and best interests at heart.
If you think a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse or neglect, which has caused serious injury, financial loss or even death, call Fellows Hymowitz Rice for help.
Call us today at 845-639-9300 for a FREE, confidential consultation. When you call, one of our experienced New York and New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect attorneys will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you. We will help you find answers and fight hard to protect your rights.
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you. Call us today to learn how we may be able to help.
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