What is a Long-Term Care Volunteer Ombudsman Program?
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, as mandated by the Federal Older Americans Act, needs volunteer ombudsmen to promote and protect residents’ rights and improve the quality of life for residents who live in licensed long-term care facilities. Residents in long-term care facilities are guaranteed certain rights by federal and state laws and regulations. The purpose of the volunteer ombudsman program is to protect and promote those residents’ rights in long-term care facilities and assist in empowering residents to become self-advocates. What does a Volunteer Ombudsman do? An Ombudsman is a volunteer who listens to concerns and questions and works with residents, families, staff, local, and state agencies and other organizations or resolve problems or answer questions. Your ombudsman will: Advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities Provide an effective means for the resolution of concerns about the quality of life in long-term care facilities W
