The residents are so appreciative of the contact. The families also are pleased to learn of the Ombudsman Program. No matter the amount of TLC, and there is a great deal of that, the facilities are managed with a great deal of respect for the bottom line. A number of volunteers responded that they have found many more caring, dedicated, and sincere staff members in their facilities than they expected, and that their attitudes toward long-term care facilities have improved. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite life experiences.
More people ought to try it.
It continues to astonish me that so many of the residents are so interested and concerned about me as a person. None of them has meant as much to me as the Ombudsman Program. I feel that I get back much more than I give. I remember it being very difficult in the beginning for the first few weeks. Now I would hate to give it up.