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Protecting Civil and Human Rights

Female doctor kneeling by disabled senior man stroking puppy at retirement home

As long-term care ombudsman, we are expressed wish advocates for residents in long-term care facilities. We are the only program mandated by law to make regular unannounced visits to facilities, ensuring that residents live free from abuse, neglect, and receive quality care. As an appointed official, we investigate complaints of individuals against maladministration, especially that of public authorities. We also provide advocacy services and educational resources to empower residents, their families, and the aging community at large.

“We had concerns about mom’s care. The Ombudsman talked to us about our rights and how to bring issues to the attention of facility staff. She was our mom’s advocate and ensured that a care strategy was put in place to address her physical and emotional needs. The Ombudsman frequently checks in with mom and with us to make sure everything is going well.”
—Family Member

Systems Work and Advocacy:

  • Make regular unannounced visits to facilities.
  • Investigate resident complaints, including allegations of abuse and inadequate or dangerous care.
  • Improve facility conditions by providing staff trainings.
  • Provide information about advanced health care directives and help execute official documents.
  • Promote community awareness about aging and long-term care issues through educational workshops.
  • Serve as a voice for policy change at the local, state, and national levels.
  • Field informational calls from families in distress.

If you or someone you know has a complaint, a question, or needs help, we want to help. Please get in touch with our team by calling (925)685-2070.

Contact Us

  • By Phone: (925)685-2070
  • In-Person:
    2255 Contra Costa Blvd., Ste. 204, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
    M – F 8 AM – 5 PM
  • Email: info@empoweredaging.org

Volunteer

Interested in help support our senior community? What are you waiting for? It’s time to take action. Find out more about how you can get involved.

Tell Me More!

Voluntary Contribution Policy

Empowered Aging is the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano County. The organization is also a provider of telephone reassurance services in Solano County. Empowered Aging receives minimal grant funding from the Federal Government through the Older Americans Act (OAA) provided by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to provide services to seniors at no cost. Recipients of Empowered Aging services can voluntarily contribute to the cost of the services they receive. Volunteer ombudsman do not receive any compensation for their services.

 

  • Contributions are not required and are voluntary.
  • Privacy and confidentiality are protected for contributors and non-contributors.
  • Empowered Aging ensures safeguards are in place to account for any contributions made.
  • Empowered Aging’s Administrative Manager internally tracks and monitors all contributions.
  • Contributions are used to support the service programs of the contributor’s choice in their county.
  • Receipt of voluntary contribution is available upon request.
  • The policy is located on the agency’s website along with instructions of how to submit voluntary contributions.
  • Checks must be payable to Empowered Aging and not made payable directly to any Empowered Aging staff member.
  • All program recipients are given an opportunity to contribute to the services they receive. Welcome packets include an opportunity for clients to make a contribution and designate the service of their choice.