The Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is seeking more volunteers to be advocates for long-term care residents in licensed facilities. Certified Ombudsman volunteers act as citizen advocates, and advocate on behalf of residents who may not have a voice. They work independently to resolve quality of care issues and report any neglect or abuse issues.
Many communities in Oregon are experiencing an elder population growth in – including through the growth of long-term care facilities being built in many Oregon communities. Because of Oregon’s draw of livability, these facilities are opening in many locations around the State. In Central Oregon, for example, three more long-term care facilities will be opening this Spring. There will be a need for more volunteers everywhere to help cover these new and existing facilities by making regular visits as an advocate.
“We’re pleased that there will be more options for Oregonians to choose a long-term care option”, states Fred Steele, Oregon’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman. “And because all residents are entitled to a level of care that protects their rights and dignity, our agency is seeking more volunteers to serve as certified advocates for residents of long-term care facilities. It’s as simple as their rights, your voice.”
Residential Facilities Advisory Committee Chair Mickey Edwards of Baker County, Oregon, has seen first hand how effective a citizen advocate can be. “I’ve been a Certified Ombudsman Volunteer for seven years. Resolving these issues, whether it be medication or billing errors, food preferences, or simply educating about Resident’s Rights has been very rewarding. Some solutions are simple and common sense. Everyone appreciates that.”
Steele agrees. “Volunteers are key to this program. I am so impressed with what an Ombudsman can accomplish by simply visiting with residents. They bring their skills from a variety of backgrounds and use those for the resident who might not be able to speak for themselves.” But, there is a great need. “We need to increase our volunteer numbers this year in order to provide regular advocacy for the thousands of residents of long-term care in Oregon.
Trainings have been planned this spring in Salem, Milwaukie, Bend, Klamath Falls, Portland and Ontario. More trainings will be added if there is a need. An online open house is held the second Wednesday of every month; for more information, visit the agency’s website at www.oregon.gov/ltco or call 1-800-522-2602.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, is a free and confidential advocacy program available to residents, families, facility staff and the public. Ombudsmen advocate for residents of nursing facilities, residential care and assisted living facilities, and adult foster care homes. Complaints are investigated and resolved by professional ombudsmen and trained volunteers assigned to facilities.
A small cadre of professional staff supervise trained Ombudsman volunteers who are recruited statewide. Certification training classes are scheduled on a regular basis throughout the state. For more information about volunteering or to report a concern at a long-term care facility, dial 1-800-522-2602 or visit www.oregon.gov/LTCO.
