Ombudsman Program
The Ombudsman Program is designed to address the complaints of residents that reside in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, boarding homes, homes for the aged, and mental health/ mental retardation group homes. The program is mandated by the Older Americans Act of 1965 and has been patterned for the needs of those 60 years of age or older, but exceptions are always made. The District Ombudsman and the Representatives of the Office are investigators of complaints and concerns that are always kept confidential and investigated in a confidential manner. The Ombudsman works closely with the representatives or volunteers who are trained and then placed in facilities throughout 9 counties to serve as links between the residents and the outside world.
The volunteers complete a rigorous training and are required to attend monthly or quarterly training sessions to stay updated on the latest trends in the nursing home industry and advocacy issues. The Program presently has 12 volunteers who are active in advocacy, visitations, or complaint resolutions.
Marchell Gardner
1-800-750-6866 ext 212
NWTHRA
NWTDD
