How to become
an Ombudsman:
Ombudsman serve
as an important communication link between the resident and the staff, becoming
a relied-upon source of information and assistance, benefiting everyone
involved.
RESPONSIBILITIES of Ombudsman are to:
- Visit an assigned nursing home
one-half day per week during regular business hours.
- Listen to and, with the
resident's permission, attempt to resolve their complaints.
- Follow up on each complaint and
report back to the resident on the status of the problem.
- Complete a short written report
after each visit to the nursing home.
- Attend quarterly in-service
training sessions.
SERVICES performed by Ombudsman include:
- Communicate regularly with
residents and listen to their concerns.
- Act on behalf of residents to
resolve problems.
- Promote communication among
those involved in a problem concerning a resident's care.
- Educate residents on their
rights, the Ombudsman Program and other services available.
CRITERIA needed to become an Ombudsman
include:
- Have a sincere interest in the
elderly.
- Have good listening and
communication skills.
- Be objective, sensitive,
diplomatic and reliable.
- Be willing to handle complaints
and to resolve problems.
- Have time available during
normal business hours.
- Must complete a background
check
- Be over 21 years of age and
have transportation.
SELECTION of an Ombudsman occurs when:
- A Completed application form is
returned to the LTCOP office.
- A personal interview is
conducted with the applicant by the Coordinator of Volunteers.
- A letter is sent informing the
applicant that they have been selected.
SUPPORT for Ombudsman includes:
- Professional 12-hour training
program provided by LTCOP staff, experts in Long Term Care.
- Four hours of training in a
nursing home with an active Ombudsman Volunteer.
- Annual volunteer recognition
luncheon.
- Continuing education and
assistance from LTCOP staff.
- A sincere effort to place new
Ombudsman Volunteers in nursing homes close to their own residences, at a
regularly-scheduled date and time convenient for them.
Get additional information or apply to become an Ombudsman.