Ombudsman Defined

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

As we age, many of us will need to spend time in a nursing home rehabilitating from occurrences such as a hip fracture, knee surgery or stroke.

Others may find that they cannot live independently and need assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, toileting, dressing) that an assisted living facility may provide. For some, the high cost of receiving care at home requires the transition to a longterm care setting. The highly effective WISE & Healthy Aging Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program exists to provide brief interventions, improving quality of care and quality of life in long-term care facilities. The three most common complaints are:

Failure to respond to call lights;
Inappropriate discharges/evictions;
Gross neglect;

How You Can Help

Your participation in the Ombudsman Program can make a real difference in the life of a resident in a long-term care facility.

Volunteer

Ombudsman volunteers are needed to provide the services described. They undergo a 48-hour certification training, fingerprint and background clearance to become state-certified by the California Department of Aging. Volunteers are also needed to provide administrative support and translation services that do not require certification. For more information about volunteering, please call (800) 334-9473 (WISE)

Donate

Make a charitable, tax-deductible contribution to sustain program services. Call us at (310) 394-9871 or make your donation securely at www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/to-donate