Successful Ombudsman Programs

PURPOSE

The purpose of this inspection is to determine the characteristics of successful State long term care ombudsman programs.

BACKGROUND

The State Long Term Care Ombudsman program was established in response to growing concern over the poor quality of care in nursing homes. The Act requires each State Unit on Aging to establish and operate, either directly or under contract, an Ombudsman program. In 1981, the Ombudsman program was extended to board and care facilities. The ombudsman is to be an advocate of the institutionalized elderly to ensure that they have a vigorous voice in their own treatment and care. Some activities include investigating and resolving complaints on behalf of elderly residents of long term care facilities, informing residents of their legal rights and providing information on long term care issues to public agencies, legislatures and the community-at-large. Most of the State Ombudsman programs operate under the direct auspices of their State's Unit on Aging. In October 1988, the AoA funded the formation of the National Center for State Long Term Care Ombudsman Resources to provide training, technical assistance and information exchange on long term care and ombudsmen issues to ombudsmen.