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Ventura County Star
August 14, 2000 By Betty Berry QUESTION : I just placed a family member in a nursing facility and there was mention of the long-term-care ombudsman who was assigned to the facility. I was not told what this person does. Can you explain? ANSWER: I'd be glad to. First, let's define ombudsman. This is a Swedish word that means "citizen representative." The long-term-care ombudsman is a state-certified community volunteer trained to objectively investigate and resolve problems for residents in long-term-care facilities. The ombudsman's main goal is to ensure that residents of these facilities are receiving the services to which they are entitled. Many residents of these facilities have little or no contact with the outside world, nor do these elders have control over their lives. The ombudsman serves as a resident's advocate and helps to improve the person's quality of life. At least one experienced and trained ombudsman is assigned to each facility and is required to spend a specified period of time at that facility each month. He or she is available to assist in resolving problems with regard to residents' rights, physical and mental care, personal dignity, meaningful activities, legal or financial problems and regulatory red tape. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program of Ventura County is a nonprofit organization. The services are free and confidential, and anonymous complaints are accepted. The program can be reached from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 656-1986. The offices are at 1841 Knoll Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. |