What is an Ombudsman

What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program? The Pueblo Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of skilled nursing homes, and licensed assisted living residences. The authority of the long-term care ombudsman program comes from the Older Americans Act, as well as from the Older Coloradans Act. The primary purpose of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is to promote and protect the residents rights guaranteed these residents under federal and state law. We achieve this mission with a network of local offices across the state, which recruit, train, and manage teams of certified ombudsmen. Staff and volunteer ombudsmen visit long-term care facilities throughout the state to ensure residents rights are being upheld. Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are trained to receive complaints and resolve problems in situations involving quality of care, use of restraints, transfer and discharge, abuse, and other aspects of resident dignity and rights. Ombudsman services are free, confidential and resident directed. Who Can Use the Ombudsman Program? Residents of skilled nursing homes and licensed assisted living residences Relatives and friends of residents in licensed long-term care facilities such as Assisted Living residences or licensed residential group homes Any group or individual concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities Anyone can call the Ombudsman Program at 303-862-3524 Some Reasons Why People Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Violations of rights  privacy issues, loss of dignity issues, poor staff attitudes, emotional and verbal abuse, etc. Problems with transfers and discharges  improperly discharged, service fees not disclosed, refused readmission, Medicaid discrimination, etc. Problems with care  call lights not being answered, problems with receiving medications, poor hygiene, etc. Ombudsman Contact Information: Phone number: 719-583-6123   Editors Note: This article was submitted by Tara Morrow, SRDA Deputy Director. For more information, contact the SRDA Active Adult Center at 719-554-8900.   

Elder abuse is on the rise, and COVID-19 is to blame | Aging in Style with Lori WilliamsElder abuse is on the rise - in large part thanks to COVID. Nowadays, many seniors are isolated or lack the social support they've had in the past. Plus, many caregivers are simply not equipped to be caregivers, and there are fewer that remain in the workforce. Without the right care, seniors are vulnerable to abuse such as verbal, emotional, and even financial abuse like scams.Abuse can happen anywhere: not only in senior living, but often with family as well. Thats why its important to become aware of the signs. Senior Services Expert Lori Williams has tips to help you learn:- What elder abuse is- The different types of elder abuse- How we can prevent it- How to report it when we see itAnd more.Its also important to be aware that elder abuse is changing with the times. There are many predatory tactics happening with technology too. It's critical information for you and your senior loved ones to know.Topics discussed:- Elder abuse- Types of abuse- Caregivers- Scams- COVID isolation- Ombudsman- Dementia- Adult protective servicesTakeaways from this episode:- 60% of cases of elder abuse happens at the hands of a family member.- The best way to prevent abuse is to educate others and talk about it. Also, be sure to check in on older adults and caregivers you may know.- If you suspect elder abuse, call Adult Protective Services or a local long-term care ombudsman.- Help your senior loved ones set their social media to private and let them know about the types of social media, phone call and text message scams.- A common red flag in scams is if anyone asks you to wire money or send gift cards.Resources mentioned in this episode:Adult Protective Services (located in all states)Texas Adult Protective Services:http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adult_Protection/The Role of the Ombudsman in Advocating for Seniors' Safetyhttps://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/79a3922f/036-the-role-of-the-ombudsman-in-advocating-for-seniors-careTexas Ombudsmanhttps://apps.hhs.texas.gov/news_info/ombudsman/How seniors can protect themselves against identity theft and scamshttps://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7900734e/044-how-seniors-can-protect-themselves-against-identity-theft-and-online-scamsUpdated list of current scams to be aware of:https://oig.ssa.gov/scamListen to the podcast HERE

To learn more aboutWeber/Morgan Senior Services,CLICK HERE.What Is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?The Weber Human Services Long-Term Care Ombudsman program protects residents rights in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other residential care facilities in Weber-Morgan that are licensed by the Utah Dept. of Health, by voicing and resolving the concerns that residents encounter. The Ombudsman works on behalf of residents to resolve complaints and concerns and to inform residents, families and caregivers about residents' rights.Call our Lead Ombudsman, Cami Taylorat801-625-3783(orcamit@weberhs.org)to report complaints/concernsabout care of residents residing in care facilitiesin Weber or Morgan County.Utah Certified LTC Ombudsman Code of Ethics As an LTC Ombudsman:Participate in efforts to maintain and promote the integrity of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.Act in accordance with its standards and procedures.Recognize the boundaries of ones own level of training and skills and consult with an Ombudsman supervisor when needed.Provide services with respect for human dignity and the individuality of the resident, unrestricted by considerations of age, social or economic status, personal characteristics, sexual orientation or lifestyle.Respect and promote residents rights of self-determination, making every reasonable effort to act in accordance with residents wishes.Continually safeguard the confidentiality of residents, not divulging any information unless an immediate life-threatening situation overrides this discretion.Participate in efforts to promote a quality long-term care system.Avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of conflict of interest (including gain) in the provision of Ombudsman services within nursing or assisted living homes.WHS Senior Legal ServicesWe provide consultation on legal concerns such as guardianship, power of attorney, collections, warranties, health care, rights and payments, housing, property issues, landlord-tenant issues, social security, benefits, wills and trusts,mainly over the phone via Utah Legal Services.Call801-394-9431or800-662-4245.What Is the WMCAPE (Weber-Morgan Coalition of Abuse Prevention of the Elderly)?Weber Human Services Area Agency on Aging developed the Weber-Morgan Coalition for Abuse Prevention of the Elderly (WM CAPE) in September 2018, and began conducting a monthly meeting (every third Thursday from 12 pm to 1 pm). The meetings consist of education (guest speakers), profiling of local areas, review of actual cases, and/or planning upcoming events. The meetings purposes are to educate ourselves, seniors, and our community about elder abuse; unite as community partners, increasing awareness of available resources; and protect our elderly through outreach, information, and involvement (including the responsibility to report abuse to appropriate agencies).The following agencies have been actively participating in education events at the monthly meeting: Weber County Ombudsman, APS, America First fraud prevention units, Roads to Independence, WHS SMP and volunteers, WHS SCP, the Union Garden Senior Apartment manager, AARP, WHS Adult Mental Health, Ogden Police, Weber County Sheriff, WHS Aging Case Managers, Ogden YCC, Lantern House, Roy Police, North Ogden Police, North View Fire Department, OWCAP, Hope and Wellness Program Midtown Clinic, Medicaid Fraud Unit, and IHC.For any further questions, please contact our WM CAPE coordinator, Shantel Clark, at801-625-3664(orshantelc@weberhs.org).