But as a volunteer ombudsman, her job is now to critique the work of other nurses. We're an advocacy group and we're basically looking at residents' rights, their quality of life. A Port Charlotte nonprofit group, Quality Care Advocates Inc., also responds to complaints about local nursing homes. The group is looking for volunteers, and can be reached at 743-0987. Residents or their families who have complaints most often file them with the ombudsmen or with state regulators.
Ombudsmen do their own fact-finding, but can also refer things to the state.
They also conduct surprise visits. There are four volunteer ombudsmen who work exclusively in nursing homes in Charlotte and DeSoto counties. There are 26 ombudsmen at work in the Southwest Florida District, which includes Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. Lawrence, chairwoman of the Southwest Florida District ombudsman council, said changes in the health care industry in recent years have changed the role of nursing homes. Minimum staffing levels are set by state law, but the Florida Ombudsman Program has called for an increase.