At Empowered Aging, our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is at the heart of our mission to ensure that older adults and adults with disabilities living in long-term care facilities experience dignity, respect, and independence. Our dedicated Ombudsmen are the advocates and protectors for residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care homes across Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano counties.
What Does an Ombudsman Do?
Our Ombudsmen play a critical, multifaceted role:
- Championing Resident Rights: They are the voice for those who may feel unheard. Ombudsmen work tirelessly to uphold the rights of residents, including their right to quality care, personal dignity, privacy, freedom from abuse, and participation in their own care decisions.
- Investigating and Resolving Complaints: Our Ombudsmen are trained to listen to concerns from residents, their families, and facility staff. They confidentially investigate complaints related to quality of care, potential abuse or neglect, facility policies, discharge issues, and more. Their goal is to mediate and resolve these complaints, always prioritizing the resident’s expressed wishes and well-being.
- Regular Unannounced Visits: A cornerstone of the program, Ombudsmen make regular, unannounced visits to facilities. This allows them to observe conditions firsthand, interact directly with residents, and be a consistent and trusted presence.
- Education and Support: They provide crucial information to residents, their families, and even facility staff about resident rights, care planning, and effective communication. This empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions.
- Advocating for Systemic Change: Beyond individual cases, Ombudsmen identify systemic issues within the long-term care system and advocate for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels to improve care for all.
- Witnessing Documents: In skilled nursing facilities, Ombudsmen can witness residents’ signatures on important documents, such as Advance Health Care Directives, ensuring proper procedure and protecting resident autonomy.
Why is This Program So Important?
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is often the only independent and confidential advocacy resource available to residents of long-term care facilities. It provides a vital safety net, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the care they deserve and are protected from harm. Empowered Aging is the only state-mandated Ombudsman Program for the three counties we serve. Our Ombudsmen work to:
- Prevent and Address Abuse: They are on the front lines, investigating potential cases of physical, verbal, mental, or financial abuse and neglect.
- Improve Quality of Life: By addressing concerns about everything from dietary issues to inadequate personal hygiene, Ombudsmen directly impact residents’ daily lives and overall well-being.
- Increase Accountability: Their presence and investigations promote transparency and accountability within long-term care facilities.
- Empower Residents: By educating residents about their rights and helping them navigate complex situations, Ombudsmen empower them to have a greater say in their own care.
Support Our Ombudsmen!
Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program relies on the dedication of both staff and certified volunteers. If you are passionate about advocating for the rights of older adults and adults with disabilities, consider joining us as a volunteer Ombudsman. Once you go through the certification process, your commitment can make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those who need it most.
For questions, concerns, or to learn more about volunteering with our Ombudsman Program, please contact Empowered Aging at (925) 685-2070.