Volunteers Needed
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Overview
Under the federal Older Americans Act (OAA), every state is required to have an ombudsman program. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was implemented to provide information and resolve complaints or problems of older persons living in, or seeking access to, a long-term care facility. These facilities include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, homes for the aged, and other State licensed facilities with residents that are 60 years of age or older and the disabled. The Ombudsman is not an employee of the facility or the state agency responsible for inspecting the facility. When the resident or family can’t resolve their problem through consultation with the facility staff or governmental agencies involved, then they should contact the District Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will advocate for solutions to problems for residents and their families.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program offers technical assistance to the prospective resident and family of a resident to find a facility, to better understand how to finance long-term care and to find a facility which best meets the needs of the prospective resident. The Ombudsman may be able to help resolve questions or concerns that involve state and federal agencies administering services to the elderly or disabled. Concerns can include: quality of care, resident rights, admissions, transfer or discharge, or other questions about a facility. The ombudsman program works with the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation to assure that residents are protected at the facility and that they receive the best possible care while there.
Whatever the problem or question, the Ombudsman’s primary interest is to see that it is resolved. The Ombudsman’s goals include exhausting all avenues for resolution while realizing that some complaints can never be resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant.
ELIGIBITY FOR OMBUDSMAN ASSISTANCE
Any resident of a long-term care facility, such as a licensed nursing homes, licensed homes for the aged, or licensed assisted care living facilities, is eligible to request assistance from the Ombudsman. Families of residents may also contact the Ombudsman office on behalf of the resident.
To be assisted by District 6 Long-Term Care Ombudsman, residents must be in a facility in Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry, or Wayne counties. Residents in other Tennessee counties must contact the Ombudsman in their district.
FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE OMBUDSMAN
If you have a concern or question in regard to a resident of a long-term care facility that cannot be resolved after a discussion with the long-term care facility administrator or facility staff, you can contact the District Long-Term Care Ombudsman for District 6.
VOLUNTEERING WITH THE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
The Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to help advocate for the rights of residents living in long-term care facilities. Many of these residents have no one to speak up for them or assist them. Volunteer Ombudsman Representatives (VORs) of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program who have completed all of the training requirements visit residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and establish a regular presence in the facility. They investigate and mediate complaints, monitor residents’ care and quality of life, and provide information to residents and family members about residents’ rights and good care practices.
VORs must be at least 21 years old, have access to reliable transportation, have access to a computer, and possess genuine care and concern for older and disabled adults. VORs must not have an unremedied conflict of interest.
VORs must complete a minimum of 36 hours of initial certification training including: 16-20 hours of classroom training, at least 10 hours of field training, and 7 hours of independent study. Additionally, VORs must complete 18 hours of continuing education training each year. A one-year commitment is desired, during which time volunteers spend 2 or more hours each month with residents at their assigned facility.
It is important for VORs to be compassionate, have respect for older and disabled persons, a positive attitude, and have the ability to communicate effectively.
By becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman Representative (VOR), you can change the lives of people who live in long-term care facilities.
The program services are free and confidential. For more information, please contact:
Terri Pickford
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1-931-379-2926
tpickford@sctdd.org
If you would like to volunteer, please fill out our volunteer form here
