The Information Center provides free and objective education and information services to individuals, families, and caregivers seeking placement assistance. We clarify nursing home regulations and resources. We help families cope with the costly and complicated process of long term care placement. LTCOP provides directories listing all licensed facilities and bed availability information. These directories provide information about cost, Medicaid potential, Medicare and types of services offered by facilities. Additional consultations are available to discuss other elder care issues such as living wills, guardianship, Medicaid/Medicare and numerous elder issues. These issues may include state, federal, and facility regulations, living wills, guardianship, Medicaid/Medicare and durable powers of attorney.

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

The Ombudsman Program consists of professional and specially trained staff and volunteer ombudsman who are assigned to long term care nursing home facilities weekly, getting to know residents and providing advocacy, support, and education about their rights. When requested, ombudsman act as a voice for resident treatment and care. Ombudsman can help mediate resolution of greviances and disputes, make referrals and monitor the referrals to see that the problems are resolved. Ombudsman listen to nursing home residents concerns and complaints and work to educate residents about their rights while working with families and facility staff in resolving care and treatment plan issues.

SERVING ELDERLY RESIDENTS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF CRIME

Our Serving Elderly Residents who are Victims of Crime (SERVE) program provides trained staff and volunteers who support nursing home residents who may be a victim of a crime, experience physical abuse, assault, or financial exploitation. We ensure the victims are protected through all available legal means and support them through the process. This may include meeting with residents, assessing their needs, cooperatively working with local police authorities, court systems, lawyers, and providing referrals for residents as needed.

STOP ELDER ABUSE

Any person who has a reason to believe an adult is a victim of elder abuse should call the Elder Abuse Hotline Toll Free - 24 Hours a Day at 1-800-392-0210 to report such activity. Missouri’s law allows the identity of the reporter to remain confidential. Anonymous reports are also accepted. Click here to view the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services pamphlet on how to report and stop elder abuse.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

Community Outreach and Education for other community groups and organizations is provided in an effort to increase awareness of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program services. Education and training is also provided to long term nursing home staff, licensed administrators and directors of nursing in an effort to help them satisfy required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and increase knowledge regarding the needs of the long term care resident's quality of life.