Ombudsman
We make sure all of your mistreatment complaints and reports get investigated and resolved - at no charge $0
We Protect You BetterWhat is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman
A state certified person who thoroughly investigates neglect, abuse and fraud complaints on behalf of seniors living in or visiting a nursing care facility.
Our LTC Ombudsman conducts in-person visits to nursing care facilities, hospitals or rehabs and aim to respond within 24-48 hours:
- Listen to Your Concerns: We take the time to hear from seniors, their families, caregivers or concerned persons about any issues or worries of mistreatment.
- Gather Information: We carefully detail notes on the situation, including names, dates, and specifics of the complaint.
- Assess the Situation: We evaluate the environment and living conditions to identify signs of mistreatment, determine the severity of the complaint, assess the level of risk and urgency, and identify if immediate action required.
- Interview Staff and Residents: We speak with witnesses, caregivers, and any other individuals involved to gather multiple accounts on the situation.
- Collect Evidence: We examine medical records, care plans, photos, videos and other relevant documentation to verify the details of the complaint and ensure proper procedures followed.
- Examine Compliance: We check if the facility or service meets regulatory standards and requirements related to the senior’s care and well-being.
- Document Findings: We compile all evidence and observations into a comprehensive report to outline our findings and recommendations.
- Keep Information Confidential: We make sure to keep all details private to protect the individuals involved.
We enter a facility or home with a neutral mindset, withholding judgment to ensure fairness in the investigation and resolution process:
- Identify Issues: Pinpoint specific concerns and problems reported by the senior and the care provider.
- Facilitate Communication: Arrange and conduct meetings between the senior, family members, and care providers to discuss the issues.
- Propose Solutions: Suggest practical and fair solutions addressing the concerns of both the senior and the care provider.
- Offer Support Services: Provide direct support services, including counseling and legal assistance, to help seniors cope with the effects of abuse and navigate the steps to secure their safety and well-being.
- Mediate Discussions: Help negotiate terms and agreements, ensuring both parties understand and agree on the resolution.
- Document Agreements: Record the agreed-upon resolution in writing, detailing the specific terms and actions agreed upon, and ensure all parties receive a copy for their records.
- Follow-Up: Check periodically in-person and by phone to confirm implementation, maintenance and satisfaction by all parties involved.
If no agreement can be reached between the senior, their family, or caregivers and the facility for preventive or corrective action, we report the issue to the appropriate authorities:
- Assess the Situation: Confirm all efforts to reach an agreement between the senior, their family, caregivers, and the facility failed to take place.
- Document Issues: Compile a detailed report of the unresolved issues and the attempts made to resolve them.
- Identify Appropriate Authorities: Determine the relevant local, state or federal agencies responsible for addressing the specific issues.
- Submit Report: Forward the detailed report to the identified authorities, ensuring all necessary information and documentation included.
- Work with Authorities: Assist law enforcement and social services by providing the information needed to conduct a thorough investigation.
- Follow Up: Monitor the response from authorities to ensure a thorough investigation, verify actions taken, and check the outcome of the complaint. Facilitate communication between the authorities and the senior, their family, and caregivers as needed to provide updates.
- Track Progress: Monitor the status of the complaint from initial report through to resolution, ensuring all steps addressed.
- Communicate Updates: Facilitate communication between the authorities and the senior, their family, and caregivers as needed to clearly explain the progress, actions taken, and any new developments.
- Verify Actions: Confirm the authorities and involved parties implement the agreed-upon actions and adhere to regulatory requirements.
- Address Issues: Act quickly to handle any delays or problems coming up during the follow-up process.
- Provide Support: Collaborate with our Senior Advocates, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations to offer emotional support, professional counseling, and create a network to ensure comprehensive protection, assistance and intervention when needed.
Why seniors choose us
No tolerance
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards mistreatment, ensuring rigorous protection for seniors.
No delays
Our investigation begins the moment we receive a complaint—by phone, email, website or in-person.
No friends
We prioritize favorable results over personal connections, focusing solely on fair and unbiased advocacy.
No compromise
We focus on holding all parties accountable to ensure the best possible outcomes for seniors' care and protection.
Maggie Monroe
Chief of Advocacy
We protect seniors with years under our belt
Certification Required
Education Matters
Experience Delivers
Our Pledge
We pledge to stand unwaveringly by the side of every senior, championing their rights and ensuring their voices are heard. Together, we will make a meaningful difference.
Keep your loved ones out of harms way everyday
What makes us different than other Ombudsman
We make sure every Ombuds treat you right
Medicare Ombudsman
Support seniors with insurance coverage, obtain care, dispute denials and file appeals
Medicaid Ombudsman
Guide seniors through LTC Medicaid insurance benefits, coverage, and disputes
Veterans Ombudsman
Help veterans with healthcare and benefits provided by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Home Care Ombudsman
Address health services for seniors receiving care at home and hospice or end of life care
Social Security Ombudsman
Show seniors how to navigate retirement, disability, and survivor benefits
Housing
Ombudsman
Resolve issues in senior living communities, subsidized housing, or disputes with landlords
Healthcare Ombudsman
Ensure seniors access reliable transportation and overcome mobility challenges
50+
HelpDesk's Ombudsman (vs) Others
LTC Ombudsman | Other Ombudsman | |
---|---|---|
State Certified Official | Always | Not Likely |
Advocacy Approach | Always | Practices May Vary |
Resolution Efficiency | Always | Practices May Vary |
Persistent Accountability | Always | Rarely |
Community Integration | Always | Limited |
Our results are based on outcomes specific to our advocacy services. This comparison is for informational purposes only and not intended to disparage or critique other advocacy services.
LTC Ombudsman
Faster response to complaints than industry average, ensuring timely intervention and support
Achieve a successful resolution, leading to improved care and safety for seniors.
Satisfaction with the personalized attention and thoroughness provided for investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are independent advocates. Their role is to represent the interests of residents and remain unbiased in investigating any concerns.
While a Long-Term Care Ombudsman may not directly handle financial disputes, they can refer you to one of our Senior Advocates or the appropriate resources or agencies for assistance with billing or financial concerns related to care.
Yes, a Long-Term Care Ombudsman can provide guidance on how to transition to another facility and offer support throughout the process, ensuring the resident's rights are protected.
You can contact a Long-Term Care Ombudsman as often as needed. They will follow up on your concerns and ensure the issue is addressed until a satisfactory resolution is reached.