Ombudsman programs promote the interests, well-being, and rights of long-term care residents.
Certified Ombudsmen are a listening ear as well as a voice for residents of long-term care.
Ombudsmen educate staff, residents, their families and the community about long-term care issues, resources, rights, and quality of life.
The philosophy of the Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman is to:
The Ombudsman functions as a:
A certified Ombudsman is assigned to one or more facilities. Each volunteer receives thirty hours of training before being assigned. Ongoing training is provided monthly.
More Information
For details on how to choose a long-term care facility, resident rights, understanding the long-term care system, advocacy and related issues, please visit the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program website at [link]: http://www.waombudsman.org.
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program uses highly trained community volunteers to support the work of a small staff.
Currently, there are over 500 Certified LTC Ombudsmen in Washington State, with an average of 20 to 25 actively volunteering in Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties.