LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
We Appreciate Our Volunteers!
This past year has been a year like no other, and some of the greatest suffering of the pandemic has occurred in long-term care facilities, which early on closed their doors to visitors. This time has been extremely challenging in many ways for the El Dorado County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP), as well as for our volunteer advocates. Volunteers are vital to the success of the LTCOP in having a strong presence in our community's nursing homes and assisted living facilities and personal connection to residents. The volunteers had not been able to visit their assigned facilities and provide in-person support to residents since March 2020.
Despite these challenges, several volunteers continued to provide remote advocacy and complaint investigations. This month, they returned to visiting their facilities. The LTCOP has been fortunate to have amazing volunteers who are committed, compassionate, and strong advocates for residents living in long-term care facilities. Our volunteers have handled this past year with grace and patience, and we remain appreciative of their continued commitment to our program and for all they do on behalf of the residents and families that we serve!
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El Dorado County Update-
In-person complaint investigations and visits are a core part of the El Dorado County Long-Term Care Ombudsman program outreach and advocacy. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, visits have been restricted. Advocacy support and complaint investigations have been provided virtually.
Effective immediately, certified ombudsmen will resume conducting visits at facilities. Ombudsmen provide regular and timely access to advocacy services, receive and investigate reports of suspected abuse and neglect of residents of long-term care facilities, and witness advance health care directives for residents of skilled nursing facilities.
Reuniting Residents and Families
What to Look for and Questions to Ask as You Resume Visits in a Long-Term Care Facility
As in-person visits resume, take a moment to look at your loved one and their surroundings. You'll want to note any changes in your loved one's appearance or demeanor. Read more here.
For other resources related to COVID-19, please see the following links below:
RESOURCES
An ombudsman is a specially trained and state-certified advocate who has authority under California law to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care (LTC) facility residents. The heart of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is the team of certified Ombudsmen who are empowered to resolve issues surrounding the care and quality of life for people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen are there to represent the residents’ interests. It is the residents’ desires and needs that are considered and acted upon. Each assisted living facility and nursing home in our community has an assigned ombudsman who visits regularly to meet with residents, monitor conditions, and listen to concerns.
Being an Ombudsman is an important responsibility that is taken on with great care and professionalism. In California, Ombudsmen are certified only after receiving extensive training. The Ombudsman Program is here to provide information, guidance, and advocacy. Our services are free and confidential. We can help. For more information or assistance contact us at (530) 621-6271. For assistance after hours, weekends, and holidays, please contact the Statewide CRISISline at (800) 231-4024.
What Does an Ombudsman Do?
- Investigates and works to resolve problems or complaints affecting long-term care facility residents.
- Identifies problem areas in long-term care and advocates for change.
- Provides information about long-term care and related services.
- Promotes resident, family and community involvement in long-term care.
- Educates the community about the needs of long-term care residents.
- Coordinates efforts with other agencies concerned with long-term care.
- Visits long-term care facilities routinely to talk to residents and monitor conditions.
- Educates facility staff about resident rights and other issues.
Know Your Rights
If you live in a nursing facility or assisted living home licensed by the state of California, you have the same rights you would have living in your own home.
Resident Rights: https://youtu.be/uF2pg3BaWSs
You Can Volunteer!
Are you interested in using your time and talents to serve as an advocate for nursing home and assisted living facility residents? The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is looking for volunteers to serve as certified Ombudsmen to improve the quality of care and quality of life for residents living in long-term care facilities throughout El Dorado County. Volunteers serve as a voice for residents of long-term care facilities. Certified Ombudsmen are indispensable in ensuring that all facilities meet mandated, legal standards for every person requiring long-term care. To volunteer for the Ombudsman Program, please download Volunteer Application Form.
For details about the program, please download:
Long Term Care Ombudsman Brochure
For a list of El Dorado County RCFE and Skilled Nursing facilities, please download:
Facility List
RESOURCES
FORMS