ADRC - Aging & Disability Resources for Colorado - Region 10

Have you ever seen a word and thought, What is that, where did it come from, and what in the world does it mean? For many, the word ombudsman elicits that response.Its only early summer, but Ombudsmen (and Ombudswomen!) across the state have already made hundreds of visits to local long term care facilities and provided countless hours of consultation and education to long term care residents and their families. The term ombudsman is a Swedish word meaning carrier of the message and long term care ombudsmen provide a voice for residents of those facilities. Although ombudsmen provide routine visits to long term care facilities, some residents and their families dont realize that ombudsmen are impartial advocates for the residents and they live by the motto: What Does the Resident Want.As the number of long term care facilities grow, the role of the Long Term Care Ombudsman remains important as ever. Colorados long term care ombudsmen protect the rights of people living in nursing homes and assisted living residences. They act as advocates for the resident and assist the resident in resolving issues related to care, health, safety, and the residents rights. Ombudsmen strive to resolve complaints that range from simple quality of care issues, such as a residents preferred time for breakfast, to very serious, sometimes life-threatening, concerns involving abuse and neglect.In Colorado, the LTC ombudsman program sits within Disability Law Colorado and ombudsman activities are contracted through the local Area Agencies on Aging. The ombudsman programs federally-mandated advocacy service is free for nursing home and assisted living facility residents in the region.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erin Fisher. Erin is the Director of the Alpine Area Agency on Aging (Region 12) and may be reached at 970-468-0295 or by email at aaa12@nwccog.org

If you live in a long-term care or assisted living facility remember that the Ombudsman is your advocate to help in working out issues or concerns that arise. I first met Jennifer, a fifty something year old woman last year. Jen reported injuring herself, a small cut, maybe a nick gardening or chopping veggies she wasnt sure. The cut was small enough to be non-concerning and it healed soon enough that the event was long forgotten even though she noticed that she was feeling tired, having more difficulty getting her daily tasks done and had a low back pain that eventually became more pronounced until the day came when the pain necessitated a call to the doctors office. That doctors appointment and several others were unsuccessful in resolving the issue. By this time Jen was dragging her foot, having trouble with her knees giving way and a general weakness in her legs. The culprit was discovered and Jen was told that she has a significant infection with damage to her vertebral column and her life was in grave danger. Jen called requesting assistance from the Ombudsman. She reported that she had been placed in the long-term care facility for care of wounds that she had developed from sitting too long. Jen requested the Ombudsmans help in getting the one thing that the facility was unwilling to allow and the one thing that she believed would help her heal. Sparky is a 7.5 pound four-legged wonder worker for Jens body and spirit. The nursing home told Jen that they would not allow Sparky, because they didnt want staff to have to provide care for the dog, they were concerned that he might bite someone, and they didnt want the animal waste on the facility grounds. I determined that Sparky was a legitimate emotional support animal with a written script from her physician, and that he couldnt bite anyone because he no longer has teeth. Jen and I formulated a plan to address all the facility concerns which included a prescription from her doctor documenting Sparky as an emotional support animal, bringing Sparky up-to-date with vaccinations and vet exam, formulating a plan for waste pick up, and a back-up for care not involving the staff if Jen was to become sick. The Ombudsman provided education to the facility about the Fair Housing Act, and the law as it pertains to assistance animals. Through the work of Jen and the Ombudsman any objections the facility might have had about Sparky were soon overcome; Sparky is now living with her at the facility. He is a big hit with the other residents and his presence has improved Jens outlook on life and speeded her recovery. If you live in a long-term care or assisted living facility remember that the Ombudsman is your advocate to help in working out issues or concerns that arise. We stand by your side to give advice, express concerns or complaints, advise about rights, and help to connect you to resources. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Sandy Walker, Lead Ombudsman. Sandy is an Ombudsman with the Region 10 Area Agency on Aging and may be reached at 970-765-3131 or by email at sandy@region10.net