Long-Term Care Ombuds Program (LTCOP)

Senior woman getting adviceOctober is Residents’ Rights Month

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What Does a Long-Term Care Ombuds Do?

  • Resolves complaints made by, or for, residents of long-term care facilities;
  • Educates consumers and long-term care providers about residents’ rights and good care practices;
  • Promotes community involvement through volunteer opportunities;
  • Provides information to the public on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and services, residents’ rights, and legislative and policy issues;
  • Advocates for residents’ rights and quality care in nursing homes, personal care, residential care, and other long-term care facilities;
  • Promotes the development of citizen organizations, family councils, and resident councils.

What Concerns Does an Ombuds Address?

  • Violation of residents’ rights or dignity;
  • Physical, verbal or mental abuse, deprivation of services necessary to maintain residents’ physical and mental health or unreasonable confinement;
  • Poor quality of care, including inadequate personal hygiene and slow response to requests for assistance;
  • Improper transfer or discharge of patient;
  • Inappropriate use of chemical or physical restraints;
  • Any resident concern about the quality of care or quality of life.

Who Can Use an Ombuds Services?

  • Residents of any nursing home or “board and care facility,” including assisted living facilities;
  • A family member or friend of a nursing home resident;
  • A nursing home administrator or employee with a concern about a resident at their facility;
  • Any individual or citizen’s group interested in the welfare of residents;
  • Individuals and families who are considering long-term placement.

For information on the program, including how to volunteer in your area, please contact:

Coastal LTC Ombudsman-Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties

Amber Garrotte
360-538-8877
360-986-0657

Olympic LTC Ombudsman- Clallam & Jefferson Counties

Edward Guzman
360-207-5493
360-461-7180