In 1978 Congress amended the Older Americans Act to establish long-term care Ombudsman (a Swedish word that means "advocate") to serve the frail vulnerable elderly residents in long-term care facilities. This was a much needed action and a result of the serious problems that surfaced when the nursing home industry exploded following the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

Residents in long-term care facilities are among the most frail and vulnerable in Ventura County. Because many cannot represent themselves, they need assistance to improve their quality of life and care. The Ventura County Ombudsman Program advocates for the highest quality of life and care possible for all our elderly living in long term care facilities.

Although federal mandate requires only one visit per year per long term care facility, the Ventura County program, from inception, established a minimum of once a week visitation in skilled nursing facilities and a minimum of once a month visitation in all residential care facilities. This visitation schedule is still in place and ongoing today.

CARING FOR A LOVED ONE AT HOME
For New or Inexperienced Caregivers

We are especially pleased to introduce our new 12 DVD set program “Caring for a Loved One at Home – for the new and inexperienced caregiver” .

This DVD program, which has been 2 years in the making, is offered to churches, libraries, senior centers, agencies serving the elderly and their in-home caregivers, and any individuals who, with no preparation or training, find themselves suddenly plunged into the role of providing care for a loved one at home.

Go here to sample excerpts of some of these DVDs.

New Ombudsman Certification
Training
Date: Next training will be announced.
As our population ages, society is turning more of its attention to meeting the growing needs of our senior population. Call 656-1986 ext 10 for details.

Download our Volunteer Application;
Volunteer Ombudsman Application - pdf

Operation Senior Santa

How It All Started

In 2000 Operation Senior Santa began as a project of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. As ombudsmen going in and out of the facilities all year long, we witness firsthand the emotional devastation and utter sadness many of our residents experience around the holidays. They have no family or friends who will visit, and no gifts to open. For so many, the holidays are just a very sad reminder of another loss of what used to be.

Over the years since Operation Senior Santa began, we have seen this program grow from bringing holiday cheer to just a dozen residents to over 2,000. Our board, staff and volunteers, dressed as Santas and elves, visit with the residents, giving them lots of love and personally hand delivering their gifts.

Mark this yearly event on your calendar!