The Ombudsman Program  

Ombudsman (Om- budz-man):

One who speaks on behalf of another.

Ombudsman Volunteer:

Someone who brings about positive change in order to maintain or

improve the quality of life for nursing home residents.

As many as 50% of those individuals living in long term care facilities will have NO ONE to advocate for their treatment and care.

Ombudsman Volunteers:

•   Are trained and assigned to support and advocate for residents in 4-hr wkly visits.
• Educate residents on their rights.
• Act as a voice for residents while mediating & handling complaint resolution.
• Provide education & training to staff and families.

Residents of long-term care facilities have little contact with the outside world and many feel that they lack control over their own lives.  It?s vital for seniors lacking a family support system to have access to someone who can assist them.  Ombudsmen provide consumers, family members, friends, and caregivers with information regarding admission, resident care, rights, relocation, abuse, and many other long-term care issues.

The St. Louis Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is comprised 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, ombudsmen act as a voice for resident treatment and care.  Ombudsmen can help mediate resolution of grievances 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.

To learn more about how you can become an Ombudsman volunteer, click here.  Or, download an ombudsman Volunteer Application.