What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

Author

Pueblo Area Agency on Aging - AAA

Posted on

Apr 09, 2020

Book/Edition

Colorado - Southern Colorado

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A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for individuals living in a nursing home, an assisted living, or similar licensed adult long-term facility. This free advocate service is resident directed and requires resident consent to investigate a complaint or to refer a complaint to another agency.
Federal law mandates the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and every state is required to have and administer an Ombudsman program. In Colorado, there are approximately 81 Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. These programs are supported by regional Area Agencies on Aging and Disability Law of Colorado both, which receive funding under the Older Americans Act.
Ombudsmen advocate and work to resolve problems that residents face. Our goal is to positively effect change and improve the quality of care at a local, state, and national level for individuals living in long-term care facilities.
The Ombudsman program is responsible for protecting and advocating for Residents Rights, which include:
To be treated with dignity and respect
To make independent choices
To participate in social, religious, and community activities outside the facility including the right to vote
To privacy during care and treatment of your personal needs
To privacy and confidentiality regarding medical, personal, or financial affairs
To raise concerns or complaints
To be free from involuntary confinement
To secure your possessions
To choose or refuse medication and treatment
To be free from neglect, mental, sexual or physical abuse
To be free from chemical and physical restraints
To communicate in the language of your choice
To participate in your own care
To private and unrestricted communication with any person of your choice
To manage your own finances
To be free from financial exploitation
To be informed of the local Ombudsmans name and phone number
For a complete list of Residents Rights, information, or local program contact information please call the Pueblo office 719-583-6123 or State Ombudsman office at 1.800.288.1376. We Advocate for You.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Pueblo Area Agency on Aging

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