Ombudsmen receive special training and are certified by the state. An ombudsman investigates complaints and helps to resolve problems and concerns you may have about the services you receive. Support and monitor laws and regulations which protect long term care consumers. Advocate for service consumers through in-service training and public presentations. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is funded by the federal government through the Older Americans Act, and by the State of Ohio through the Department of Aging.
Services provided by the program are free, but donations are welcome and gratefully accepted.
Volunteer Ombudsmen inform residents of their rights under Ohio law, and monitor nursing homes for compliance with the Resident's Bill of Rights. Volunteer Ombudsman Associates are trained, supervised and receive continuing education in resident's rights, problem solving, interviewing skills, negotiating, and working with the health care system. They improve the quality of life for residents by listening to and working for resident's needs and interests. For information on becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman Associate, call the Ombudsman Program. The selection of a nursing home can be very difficult even under the best circumstances.