Ombudsman Program
What is an Ombudsman?
An Ombudsman is a trained volunteer, an independent advocate for residents of nursing and adult homes, a problem solver, a protector of residents' rights, a friend.
The Ombudsman Program
The program was created by the 1975 Older American's Act to ensure quality of life and quality of care to residents in nursing homes and adult homes. Ombudsmen are independent advocates - they are not employed by the long-term care facility and the program is not a part of the regulatory system. The program provides an Ombudsman who helps with:- Residents' care and rights
- Personal concerns
- Financial concerns
- Food service
- Administrative policies
- Medical services
- Resident/staff misunderstandings
- Suspected neglect. mistreatment or abuse
- Other community resources
- Advocates on behalf of nursing home residents and their families
- Mediates and negotiates when problems or grievances occur
- Helps families understand the laws and policies of the long-term care system
Why You Can Trust an Ombudsman
Volunteer Ombudsman receive 36 hours of training that leads to certification by the New York State Office for the Aging. Ongoing supervision and in-service training are provided by professional staff. The Ombudsman program continually seeks to bring ongoing, positive change to the long-term care system.If you would like to become a trained, NYS certified Ombudsman please call Lifespan at (855) 582-6769 or 585-244-8400 x114 weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.