Ombudsman - Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho

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Ombudsman

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for seniors.

Long Term Care Ombudsman

The Ombudsman provides education, information and referrals regarding rights, benefits and entitlements to residents and their families, the community and long term care staff through personal contact, and public presentations.

An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsman provides information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care. They are trained to resolve problems. Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Ombudsman program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long term care system.

The Long Term Care Ombudsman:

	Resolves complaints made by or for residents of long term care facilities.
	Educates consumers and long term care providers about residents’ rights and good care practices.
	Promotes community involvement through volunteer opportunities.
	Provides information to the public on nursing homes and other long term care facilities and services, residents’ rights, and legislative and policy issues.
	Advocates for residents’ rights and quality care in nursing homes, personal care, residential care and other long term care facilities.
	Promotes the development of citizen organizations, family councils and resident councils.

Who Can Use Ombudsman Services?

	Residents of any nursing home or assisted living facility
	A family member or friend of a resident
	Any administrator or employee with a concern about a resident at their facility
	Any individual or citizen’s group interested in the welfare of residents
	Individuals and families who are considering long term care placement

What Concerns Does an Ombudsman Address?

	Violation of residents’ rights or dignity
	Physical, verbal or mental abuse, deprivation of services necessary to maintain residents’ physical and mental health; or unreasonable confinement
	Poor quality of care, including inadequate personal hygiene and slow response to requests for assistance.
	Improper transfer or discharge of patient
	Inappropriate use of chemical or physical restraints
	Any resident concern about quality of care or quality of life

Do you or someone you know have concerns about how a loved one is being treated in a facility?

If so, contact Jan Young, Long Term Care Ombudsman at Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho at (208)667-3179.

Sources:

National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, Ombudsman Information

The National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, Watching out for loved ones

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Revised 8/21/08

For More Information Contact:

	Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho
1221 Ironwood Drive, Suite 102 Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 USA email us at infoassist@aaani.org 208-667-3179 / 800-786-5536 FAX: 208-667-5938