Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) grew out of efforts by both federal and state governments to respond to widely reported concerns that our most frail and vulnerable citizens (those living in long-term care facilities) were subject to abuse, neglect and substandard care. These residents also lacked the ability to exercise their rights or voice complaints about their circumstances. The primary purpose of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult foster care homes.

The LTCOP will make every reasonable effort to assist, advocate, and intervene on behalf of the resident. When investigating complaints, the program will respect the resident, maintain their confidentiality, and will focus complaint resolution on the resident’s wishes.

In addition to identifying, investigating and resolving complaints, the LTCOP:

• Educates residents, families, facility staff and the community about long term care issues and services
• Promotes and advocates for residents’ rights
• Assists residents in obtaining needed services
• Works with and supports family and resident councils