Your Internet Guide to the resources devoted to serving older adults on
Cape Cod and the Islands.
Ombudsman Program
The word Ombudsman derives from a Swedish word meaning "representative of the
people." The Ombudsman Program is funded in whole, or in part, by contracts with
the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, federal and county
government, as well as by private contributions. Elder Services of Cape Cod
and the Islands, Inc. and Old Colony Elder Services (serving Plymouth and
Wareham) are the organizations which train and certify the ombudsman
advocates. It is important to realize that ombudsmen are not employees of
nursing homes.
The Ombudsman
The mission of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is to investigate
and work to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of the residents
of long term care facilities and to advocate for changes needed
to improve the quality of life and care in those facilities.
The Ombudsman Role
- to visit each nursing home twice each month to have personal,
private contact with residents.
- to assist in resolving problems reported to them by residents,
their family members or other concerned individuals and help in
the resolution of complaints.
- to observe the environment of the facility and the quality
of care and advocate for positive changes.
- to provide information to residents and their family members
regarding a resident's rights and to protect these rights.
- to work toward improving conditions and services to all residents
in long term care facilities.
How Can The Ombudsman Help?
- The Ombudsman can give you information on how
to select a nursing or rest home.
- The Ombudsman can give you information about resident's
rights.
- The Ombudsman can assist you if you have a concern or problem
regarding a nursing or rest home.
- The Ombudsman can give you information regarding the long term
care system.
- Ombudsmen visit facilities regularly, getting to know each
resident. They hold all conversations in confidence. They will
assist and work on a presented problem or concern only with the
consent of the resident.
- If you, or a loved one, are a resident of a nursing or rest
home and are having a problem with a facility, ask the Ombudsman
for assistance in resolving the situation.
- The local Ombudsman program is sponsored by Elder Services.
You may contact the Program Director by calling:
1-508-394-4630 or 1-800-244-4630
(on Cape Cod & The Islands)
or
1-508-584-1561
(For Wareham and Plymouth)
About Skilled Nursing Facilities
Contact Inter-Generations
at intergens@cox.net
©1996-2023 Inter-Generations
|
| |
|
|