A long-term care (LTC) ombudsman is a trained advocate who works on behalf of residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other LTC facilities. The role of a LTC ombudsman is to ensure the rights and well-being of residents are protected and to advocate for quality of care.

Here are six ways a LTC ombudsman can help your family:

  • Advocacy: Ombudsmen advocate for the rights and interests of residents in LTC facilities. They work to resolve issues related to quality of care, resident rights, and overall well-being.
  • Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Ombudsmen act as intermediaries between residents, their families, and the LTC facility staff to resolve conflicts and address concerns. They aim to find amicable solutions to problems that may arise.
  • Education: Ombudsmen provide information to residents and their families about their rights, the services available to them, and how to navigate the LTC system. This education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their care.

    "Ombudsmen typically operate independently of the LTC facilities and report to state or local agencies overseeing LTC services."

  • Monitoring and Investigation: Ombudsmen monitor conditions in LTC facilities to identify and address potential issues. They investigate complaints made by residents or their families regarding care quality, living conditions, or other concerns.
  • Policy Advocacy: Ombudsmen may also work on a broader scale by advocating for changes in policies and regulations that impact the quality of care and living conditions in LTC facilities.
  • Community Outreach: Ombudsmen often engage in outreach activities to raise awareness about the rights of residents in LTC facilities and the role of the ombudsman program.

The goal of the LTC ombudsman program is to enhance the quality of life for individuals in LTC settings by addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity. Ombudsmen typically operate independently of the LTC facilities and report to state or local agencies overseeing LTC services.

The role of a LTC ombudsman is to ensure the rights and well-being of residents are protected and to advocate for quality of care.

Tips for Getting Good Care

An advocate can help make sure you receive good care, but it’s important to know your rights.

  • Tell a facility staff member about concerns as soon as possible and make sure to follow up with the appropriate staff.
  • Understand the contract, admission agreement, resident handbook, and facility policies. If you don’t understand something, ask questions.
  • Understand the care planning process and request a care plan meeting with your ombudsman if you need help.
  • Stay in close communication with family members and make them aware of your care and activities at a facility.
  • Speak with your doctor about concerns with medical care.
  • Talk to your ombudsman when they visit.

"The goal of the LTC ombudsman program is to enhance the quality of life for individuals in LTC settings by addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity."

How to Locate a Long Term Care Ombudsman

There are several ways to find an ombudsman. You can search for poster information for an LTC ombudsman in your facility or ask a staff member who your ombudsman is and how to reach them.

In addition, each state has an ombudsman dedicated to serving long term care patients and families. If you have concerns about long term care and need help, you can search for an ombudsman online through the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care.

LTC Consumer is an independent, free online service to help consumers understand what long term care insurance is, how it works, and how to evaluate coverage options. Our mission is to provide an educational, no-pressure resource for learning about long term care planning, with the opportunity to speak with specialists who can help them.