If you were living in a nursing home or an assisted living home anywhere in the country, from Florida to Oregon to New Hampshire, you have access to a local Long Term Care Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is an independent confidential resident advocate. The Ombudsman works to empower residents in the resolution of their concerns or complaints and works to protect the rights of the residents. The Ombudsman works with families too and supports the development of Family Councils. The Ombudsman confers with staff on resident rights, provides educational in-service trainings.Resident rights include the right to: be treated with dignity and respect; to have privacy and confidentiality honored; to participate in decisions about care; to make independent choices; to raise concerns and complaints without fear of retaliation; to appeal a notice of a discharge from a nursing home.Long Term Care Ombudsmen promote resident-centered care, meaning that the voice of the resident is sought, is honored and respected. How would you recognize resident-centered care? Here are just a few examples. Staffing: do the care giving staff care for the same group residents each time they work? Yes, allows for the caregivers to remember the routines and preferences of each individualized resident and provide individualized care. Morning routines: can the resident be awakened in the morning according to their lifelong pattern? Yes means that staffing practices follow the residents preferences rather than the other way around. Recreational activities: what type of activities are offered here? Scheduled activities that are based on current residents interests, provided 7 days a week, improves quality-of-life.Call the Ombudsman for: Information on options before a choice of a facility is made Talking through a concern or a complaint Assistance in resolving a complaint Attendance at Care Plan meetings where care goals are reviewed Educational presentations to residents, families, staff on: Resident Rights, Role of an Ombudsman303-441-1173 is the confidential Boulder County Long Term Care Ombudsman