Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, adult care facilities, and family type homes. Ombudsmen provide a “regular presence” in facilities, and because of this, get to know residents, their needs, and those things that make a difference in their everyday lives. Ombudsmen are another set of eyes in facilities. For residents without any family or loved ones, Ombudsmen may be their only socialization from outside the facility and the only advocate they can truly count on. The Ombudsmen become a “voice for the voiceless” and a lifeline for those who need assistance when they feel like they have nobody to turn to.
Action for Older Persons in Endicott, NY, sponsors the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in this local area. This locally based program provides Ombudsman services to approximately 49 facilities and approximately 3,773 residents who reside in these facilities in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, and Tioga Counties.
Ombudsmen Volunteers bring compassion and understanding to the residents of Long-Term Care in our community. They serve our community not because they have the time, but because they have the “heart.” If you are interested in becoming a “voice for the voiceless,” contact Danielle LaBare @ Action for Older Persons (607) 722-1251 or [email protected] for more information.