How To Reach Us Clients should call Legal Services if they have a legal problem that threatens their housing, income, or physical safety, including access to health care. The program provides confidential assistance through trained, certified volunteers who visit nursing homes and adult care homes on a regular basis. Inc. What The Program Does The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program provides confidential advocacy on behalf of residents of any age. Volunteer ombudsmen and the program coordinator advocate for the resident's right to a fair investigation of any problem or complaint. Although most long-term care facilities work to ensure that residents' rights are protected, there are times when a resident needs a neutral advocate to help resolve a problem.
Ombudsmen complete a thirty-six hour training program.
After successful completion, the ombudsmen are certified and assigned to a Broome County long-term care facility which they visit once per week. They listen to resident concerns, and help to find solutions. Concerns may be directed to the program coordinator at Action for Older Persons, Inc. or to an ombudsman at a facility. Eligibility Concerns may be brought by a resident of any age, his or her family, or facility staff. The resident may reside in a Broome County facility or elsewhere.