View Part 1 of the  Ombudsman Newsletter 

View Part 2 of the  Ombudsman Newsletter

WHAT IS A LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN?

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 Americans 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 service 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 resident's rights are not being violated.

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

 

WHAT ARE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES?

The Ombudsman works in conjunction with the Nursing Home and Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committees that are in each county to serve residents in long term care facilities.  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.

 

RESIDENT'S RIGHTS

Bill of Rights for Nursing Home Residents

Bill of Rights for Adult Care Home Residents

 

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL OMBUDSMAN:

Roxanne Powell

(828) 485-4213

Email: Roxanne Powell

 

Address:

Western Piedmont Council of Governments

Area Agency on Aging

PO Box 9026

Hickory, NC 28603