WE HOPE OVER the past several months you have enjoyed the vignettes of Mrs. Jones’ life. Our journey with Mrs. Jones was a way for our program to provide an accurate example of what someone might expect as they or their loved one transitions into needing long-term-care supports and services. We are now taking a step away from that model to provide you with some information about our Ombudsman program in this month’s article.
If you have been reading with us from the beginning, you will know that the Long-Term-Care Ombudsman is a program designed and implemented to ensure that the rights of long-term-care consumers are upheld and respected. In our area, the Ombudsman program serves 17 counties and provides services at no cost, year-round for nursing-home/assisted-living residents and home-care consumers.
The goal of the Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman program in Ohio is to advocate for quality care and excellence in long-term care by handling cases on behalf of consumers who may have a care concern at their facility; or by providing education and consultation to families, consumers, and facility staff in an effort to improve care experiences.
In addition to our full-time staff, we rely on a contingent of volunteers to ensure consumers have access to an advocate. Our Volunteer Ombudsmen, or “Associates,” are trained, certified, and tested prior to being sent out into the field to assist consumers. Our volunteers are integral to our program’s ability to meet the needs of long-term-care consumers and get the message out about their rights and how consumers can find their own advocate.
So, when might you need the assistance of an Ombudsman?
• You have questions about the care you or your loved one is receiving.
• You have a problem with the care being provided at a nursing home or assisted living.
• You feel as if you or your loved one is not being treated with dignity and respect in a longterm-care setting.
• You receive a 30-day involuntary discharge notice.
• You have general questions about a lot of things—and don’t know where to start.
The above list is not exhaustive. It is just a glimpse of the kinds of things that the Ombudsman program is prepared to assist you with. Further, if you aren’t sure whether we are the right entity, give us a call anyway so we can empower you with information and brainstorm your next steps.
Additionally, if you have interest in becoming an Ombudsman and volunteering to serve long-term-care consumers, please call us so we can discuss opportunities available.
You can reach your local Ombudsman by contacting us at 419-259-2891.
Megan Benner Senecal is a member of the Ombudsman Office.
