Ombudsman (Om budz men): Comes from a Swedish word meaning, “Representative of the People,” an official who investigates citizens’ complaints.
The Ombudsman program serves residents in Oklahoma who are living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care homes. An Ombudsman helps improve the quality of life and the quality of care available to the residents.
The long-term care ombudsman is a person who receives complaints from residents of long-term care facilities, their friends, relatives or agencies. The Ombudsman attempts to resolve those complaints within the facility. The Ombudsman has the authority to explore problems and recommend corrective action.
A Long Term Care Ombudsman is an independent advocate who:
- Visits residents in long term care
- Investigates complaints about the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term residents
- Listens and offers ideas and options
- Works to identify problems and resolve individual concerns
- Recognizes that residents have choices and rights
- Protects residents’ rights
- Promotes resident-directed care
- Provides information and help with long-term care services, consumer rights and regulations
- Resolves disputes between consumers and providers about long-term care services
- Supports resident and family councils
- Works with providers to promote a culture in which people have and can make choices
- Maintains confidentiality. Ombudsman may not discuss or disclose any information without the individual’s permission
- Trains individuals who want to give back to their community to be volunteer ombudsman
An Ombudsman advocates for the quality of life and care for people living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential centers. An Ombudsman can help to ensure that residents get the care they want and are treated with dignity and respect.
The Ombudsman Supervisors for LTCA of Enid, Area Agency on Aging
STEVE TORRES and MEGAN KIRBY
Long Term Care Authority of Enid Area Agency on Aging
202 W. Broadway, Suite A
Enid, OK 73701
580-237-2236
580-234-7475
888-858-9628
