View the Current Partners in Care Newsletter (Spring 2010)

An Ombudsman is an advocate for resident’s rights and is responsible for investigating complaints or concerns that are made by, or on behalf of, nursing and adult care home residents.  Ombudsmen work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and quality of life for residents in long term care facilities.

 The North Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, as established by the Older American’s Act, consists of individuals at the state and local levels.  The State Long Term Care Ombudsman is located within the North Carolina Division of Aging in Raleigh.  Regional Long Term Care Ombudsmen are in each Area Agency on Aging, located in Lead Regional Organizations.

 WHAT DOES AN OMBUDSMAN DO?

·         Advocates for Residents when their legal rights have been violated or they are not receiving proper care or assistance.

·         Investigates Concerns from the residents of nursing and adult care homes, or from others on their behalf, as they relate to resident’s rights, services, and benefits.  Complaints may be against facilities, government agencies or programs, or other services providers.

·         Mediates Disputes between long term care residents and facilities as well as private and government agencies on behalf of the residents.

·         Provides Technical Assistance to residents, families, and staff in areas including: care planning, family and resident councils, resident transfer and discharge, long-term care placement, etc.

·         Promotes Elder Abuse Awareness within the community.

·         Monitors long-term care facilities to ensure residents’ rights are not being violated.

·         Educates the public on long-term care issues and promotes increased community involvement in long-term care facilities.

 Ombudsman is a Swedish

word meaning citizen

representative or advocate.

Community Advisory Committees are volunteers appointed by the county commissioners who visit facilities, interact with residents, and advocate for quality care in the homes.  Members must reside within the county in which they serve and serve terms from 1-3 years.

NURSING HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES are required to visit all nursing homes every three months as a committee.  They serve as a supportive local committee, which helps to maintain the spirit of the Nursing Home Resident’s Bill of Rights.

 ADULT CARE HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES are required to visit Adult Care Homes every three months and Family Care annually.  This committee helps to maintain the Adult Care Home Resident’s Bill of Rights.

 Both Community Advisory Committees:

·         Advocate for residents of long-term care facilities and work on the local level to resolve complaints.

·         Visit facilities to ensure that the Resident’s Bill of Rights is being followed.

·         Promote awareness of elder abuse.

 * Long Term Care Disaster Checklist*

Archive Newsletters:

June 2008

March 2008 Part 1 

March 2008 Part 2