What is the ombudsman program?
The word ombudsman means “citizen representative.” An ombudsman investigates reported complaints, reports findings, and helps to achieve equitable settlements. In 1978, Congress amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish the long-term care ombudsman program to serve the vulnerable nursing home population. An ombudsman helps one person resolve a problem, addresses issues that affect several residents, or works collectively to change a systemic problem. Texas long-term care ombudsmen represent facility residents.
