LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
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As COVID-19 rates are increasing throughout the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging all of us to celebrate virtually or just with members of our own household. Our loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are particularly at risk. To help families as they determine how best to include their loved ones in their holiday plans, Consumer Voice has prepared this fact sheet that provides additional information and suggestions.
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El Dorado County Update-
Ombudsman Advocacy Services During COVID-19 Pandemic
In an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, resident visitation of anyone who is not essential health care personnel has been temporarily restricted, except for certain compassionate care situations. The Ombudsman Program is not exempt from these restrictions on visitation. While we cannot enter long-term care facilities, Ombudsman representatives are continuing advocacy services without interruption. We are still available to receive and resolve complaints, provide consultations, and offer information and assistance to residents, families, and the public.
We understand how difficult the visitation restrictions may be for residents. With this in mind, we are reaching out to long-term care facilities and residents across the county. We are encouraging providers to assure that residents have contact with family and friends through alternate means of communication, such as phone, video calls, email, and window visits. The Ombudsman Program recognizes that this is a rapidly evolving situation and will provide updated guidance as deemed necessary by government and public health officials.
Questions that families of long-term care residents should be asking facilities
While facilities can limit visitation for the benefit of the whole, it is recommended that you contact the facility to see what their policy and procedures are for visitation.
- How are you facilitating alternative methods of communication with friends and families?
- How are you communicating important information to both residents and families on a regular basis?
- What are you doing to maintain activities for residents?
- What are you doing to prevent infections?
- Do you have the personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gowns, gloves?
- Are you having any staffing shortages?
Considerations for families considering bringing a resident home from the facility
- What are the care needs of your loved one?
- Do you have the ability to meet the care needs of your loved one?
- How is your own health? Do you have any medical or mental health conditions?
- Do you have the physical and mental ability to provide the care and assistance your loved one needs?
- What does your loved one want? Does your loved one want to leave the facility? Does she want to go with you?
- Consult with your loved one's doctor about her needs and your ability to care for her at home. What else may be needed for a safe transfer home?
- Your loved one requires 24-hour care and depending on his condition, skilled nursing care. As you consider taking your loved one home, have a realistic approach to your decision-making. And whatever your decision is, do not feel guilty about your choice, but be prepared.
If you have concerns about the facility's infection control practices or other issues:
For other resources related to COVID-19, please see the following links below:
RESOURCES
FACT SHEETS
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.
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