Since 1976, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has assisted elderly residents and prospective residents of nursing homes, assisted living and residential homes for the aged. The Ombudsman is not an employee of the nursing home or the state agency responsible for inspecting the facility. The Ombudsman is an impartial third party whose primary purpose is the resolution of problems. All matters will be kept confidential. When a resident or family member can't resolve a problem through consultation with the facility staff, they should contact the Ombudsman and/or the Volunteer Ombudsman Representative assigned to the facility. Not all facilities have an assigned Volunteer Ombudsman Representative, but you may check with the Ombudsman Program for this information.
What does the Long-Term Care Ombudsman do?
Works to resolve problems or complaints affecting long-term care residents through investigation, mediation and counseling.
Identifies problem areas in long-term care and advocates for change.
Provides information about long-term care and related services.
Promotes resident, family and community involvement in long-term care.
Educates the community about the needs of long-term care residents.
Coordinates efforts with other agencies concerned with long-term care.
Visits long-term care facilities routinely through the volunteer program to talk to residents and monitor conditions.
Educates facility staff about resident's rights and other issues.
Facts on Elder Care in Middle Tennessee:
Number of Long-Term Care Facilities in 5th District: 180
Total Number of Residents in those facilities: 11,500
Percentage of Residents with no family or friends to speak up for them: 50%
Number of hours of care required by the State of Tennessee for each resident in 24 hours: 2
Number of hours of care needed by residents in 24 hours: 4.1
Most frequent complaint by residents and family members: lack of sufficient staff in facilities
VOLUNTEER; The Ombudsman Program is in need of volunteers to visit residents who live in the long-term care facilities within the service area. Volunteers provide a sense of community involvement to the residents. After completing a 15-hour certification training, volunteers are asked to visit an assigned facility weekly. Depending on the level of involvement, the volunteer provides advocacy and complaint resolution if needed, but most importantly, friendly visiting with the residents. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact one of the District Ombudsman directly for more information.
Works to resolve problems or complaints affecting long-term care residents through investigation, mediation and counseling.
