LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN

The following is excerpted from the website of the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, www.ltcop.state.ct.us.

WHAT IS A LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN?

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is mandated by the Federal Older Americans Act to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of citizens residing in nursing homes, residential care homes, or assisted living communities. Ombudsmen advocate for the rights of long term care residents and monitor state and federal laws and regulations affecting the lives of those residents.

Regional Ombudsmen:

• receive and investigate concerns and complaints made by residents;
• assist residents to resolve problems related to their care;
• educate residents, families, and staff about resident rights;
• empower residents and families to discuss concerns with care staff;
• offer information and referrals for residents, facility staff, and the community at large
• represent residents' interests before government agencies;
• identify and try to remedy gaps in facility, government, and community services;
• and advocate for improvements in state and federal laws and regulations.

HOW TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE
Search by service names:
Long Term Care Ombudsman

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SOURCE: Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, www.ltcop.state.ct.us
PREPARED BY: 211/rj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: February2008