DNR promotes programs for a cleaner, healthier 2009 Jan 7, 2009
The department continued to provide compliance assistance through its Ombudsman Program. Since inception of this program, the department's seven ombudsmen have visited more than 6,900 citizens, community officials and businesses. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Supervisors reluctantly cut one of two senior ombudsman positions (327) Dec 30, 2008
The state's funding cut for the ombudsman program is one of several senior programs that were cut by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after the Legislature adopted the state budget in September. Hernandez says she doesn't know when the other paid position will be cut. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Health, Human Services rates county nursing homes Dec 28, 2008
Ohio has lower standards than other states for the number of hours aides spend with the facilities' residents, said Sandy Hamilton, program director for the Long-Term Ombudsman Program, which is funded through the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio ... For information on investigations into complaints regarding nursing homes in Northwest Ohio, call the Long-Term Ombudsman Program with the Advocates for Basic Legal Equality in Toledo at 800-542-1874. (Port Clinton News Herald)
Area's nursing homes rate high overall Dec 21, 2008
"Picking a nursing home is very subjective," said Doreen Crane, coordinator of services for the Putnam Office for the Aging and former head of the county's nursing home ombudsman program. "What might be right for my mother might not be the same thing your mother would like.". (Lower Hudson Journal news)
SeniorCare News Dec 19, 2008
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteers receive extensive training, certification, and supervision ... For information on the next local three-day training class for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, scheduled for January 2009, call SeniorCare mornings at 1-866-927-1050, ext. (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
No funds for mental health advocate Dec 8, 2008
A few other states have ombudsman programs, including Minnesota. There, the office has an annual budget of $1. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
High cost of living Dec 7, 2008
To find a complaint history for a facility, visit the Georgia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program at or call (888) 454-5826. Contact the local office at (706) 721-2327. (The Augusta Chronicle)
REGION: Cutbacks threaten voice for the elderly Dec 1, 2008
Pam Plimpton, with the County of San Diego Ombudsman Program, teaches an updated-skills class to ombudsman at the San Marcos Senior Center last month ... "It really is going to be devastating," said Chris O'Connell, coordinator of San Diego County's long-term care ombudsman program for Aging and Independence Services, or AIS. ... In San Diego County, the long-term care ombudsman program is under the umbrella of the AIS, a division of the county's Health and Human Services Agency. (North County Times)
Monday Profile: Recruiter seeking volunteers to provide long-term care Nov 24, 2008
26 nursing homes in the La Crosse Region Volunteer Ombudsman Program ... Early this year, Wisconsin s Board on Aging and Long-Term Care, a health care oversight agency seeking to protect the rights of long-term care consumers, expanded the ombudsman program to include a La Crosse Coulee Region made up of Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon and Trempealeau counties. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
STATE NEWS: Agencies say they can't cut budgets (149) Nov 20, 2008
Heather Bruemmer, executive director of the Board on Aging and Long Term Care, said the cut would have to come from its ombudsman program, which is state-funded and charged with looking after the rights and welfare of people utilizing long-term care. "In light of the importance of the agency's programs to the public health, welfare and safety, it makes no sense to follow through with the plan to reduce this agency's operating expenses by 10 percent," Bruemmer said. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
• Somebody needs you Nov 7, 2008
Somebody needs you Volunteers - Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is in need of volunteers to visit residents in skilled nursing and residential care facilities. Volunteers can be advocates for residents and improve elderly care. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Eyes and Ears: Volunteer ombudsmen advocate for residents needing long-term care Oct 11, 2008
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program began with the Older Americans Act of 1965, which established state agencies to address the social service needs of older people ... The regional agency that carries out the ombudsman program for care facilities in DeKalb County is Catholic Charities of the Rockford Diocese ... In Illinois, volunteers represent the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program when they visit residents in long-term care facilities. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
NONPROFIT - Art of the Farm auction to be held at PEAS Oct 7, 2008
Copies of residents rights are available to the public at MAS, 337 Stephens Ave. For more information about the local ombudsman program or residents rights, call the Senior Help Line at MAS, 728-7682. Name. (Missoulian, MT)
Nursing Home Residents Rights Recognized This Week Oct 5, 2008
During the week, the Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will help draw attention to the rights of residents to be treated with respect and dignity, and have their concerns heard and addressed. The volunteers and staff of the Ombudsman Program help residents through education, advocacy and other strategies. (7 KETV Omaha)
Senior-care industry expands with elderly population Sep 14, 2008
"There is money to be made out there and people know it," said Ivan Flores, coordinator of the Fresno/Madera Ombudsman Program, which helps monitor the senior-care industry. Industry publication Private Duty Insider estimates that the nine largest companies providing in-home care to seniors accounted for $1. (Fresno Bee)
Center's shutdown highlights eldercare problems Aug 31, 2008
While the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration didn't confirm any conditions that presented direct health threats until January 2006, Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, a volunteer, state-funded watchdog, found red flags with medicine distribution as early as September 2005 and verified gross neglect of patients in April 2006. The assisted living facility opened in 2004. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Elderly, disabled feel state budget pinch Aug 11, 2008
Instead, Blosser and 31 other volunteers with the Fresno-Madera Ombudsman program -- which advocates on behalf of nursing home residents -- were told to stop making their regular checks until a state budget is passed ... The Valley Caregiver Resource Center -- which oversees the ombudsman program and provides other services to seniors and others who care for adults with disabilities -- has cut all of its travel expenses. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Nursing homes admit sex offenders Jul 25, 2008
The issue is drawing attention as overall nursing home populations drop and some facilities see an influx of residents with mental illnesses, says Beverley Laubert, president of the National Association of State Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs, which help protect patient rights. While the majority of nursing home residents are older than 65, it's not unusual for younger people with medical problems to live in long-term care. (USA Today)
Proposed Budget Reductions Take Harsh Toll on Older Illinoisans Jun 26, 2008
-- Approximately $500,000 in funding for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program - a program that advocates for the rights of individuals living in the state's long term care facilities. -- $25M in funding that was intended to cover aging service program deficits from Fiscal Year 2008. (PR Newswire)
Advocate for nursing home residents Jun 16, 2008
Working with nursing home residents is extremely rewarding, said Jenni Caldwell, SCES s Ombudsman Program director. You will receive a great deal of love and appreciation for every small thing that you do. (Somerville Journal, MA)
Letters from readers Jun 8, 2008
The May 28 article titled "Watchdogs for the elderly" paid deserved tribute to the 15 First Coast volunteers in the Department of Elder Affairs' Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program ... Although Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs exist in every state, Florida's program is one of the largest ... Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has 17 local councils throughout the state, each comprised of local volunteers who defend long-term care residents and help them understand their rights. (Florida Times-Union)
Budget Delivers Essential Funding to Services for Older Illinoisans Jun 1, 2008
House Bill 5701 fully funds the Community Care Programs with $116 million; it also restores the Ombudsman program and adds to it $450,000 in additional funding as it was introduced in the Governor's budget proposal; includes a $1 million growth for the Elder Abuse program; and keeps essential funding for comprehensive care coordination and nutrition services. "AARP commends the Illinois legislature for their commitment to ensuring that essential programs for older Illinoisans are funded in the... (PR Newswire)
$300 federal rebate is good medicine for nursing-home residents -- Healthy Cleveland Apr 22, 2008
He runs the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program that serves four counties around Youngstown and Warren, one of 12 offices in the state filled with employees and volunteers who fight for the rights of people receiving nursing-home or other long-term care. "What we came to find out through our visits and our volunteers' visits is that it wasn't common knowledge -- among residents or nursing-home staff -- that nursing-home residents are entitled to this payment," Saulitis said. (Cleveland.com -- News)
Grateful for advocates Apr 22, 2008
Ivan Flores, the program coordinator for the Fresno-Madera Ombudsman Program, stated the law requires a nursing home to hold a bed for a client for seven days. Unfortunately, this is not the first time laws have been broken by our care facilities. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Proposed cuts could slash hard-won senior funding Apr 3, 2008
A former member of Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Seibert spent six years as a state-authorized volunteer and advocate, overseeing the health and safety of older people in local nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Seibert said people who are most medically fragile will be paying for bad financial policies of the Legislature. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Women Veterans conference to be held in Moberly Mar 28, 2008
Informational tables from Vet to Vet, the Career Center, VFW, the Ombudsman Program and several others will be present and Moberly Regional Hospital will be providing some free medical screenings for our Women Veterans. Women veterans face unique issues,' said Karen Etzler, Women Veterans Coordinator for the Missouri Veterans Commission, 'Many women who served our country do not believe that they are Veterans, especially our WWII and Korean servicewomen. (Moberly Monitor-Index, MO)
20th annual Merrimack Valley Alzheimers conference Mar 19, 2008
The Difficult Nursing Home Decision: discussed by Rose McGarry, Director of the Ombudsman Program at Elder Services in Lawrence. Creating a Meaningful Day for Someone with Alzheimer s: presented by Joann Fontaine, owner of ProActive Elder Care in Chelmsford. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Bills would create state mental health advocate Mar 5, 2008
"At the same time, we also understand and respect the intent of this bill.'' State Sen. Johnny Grant (R-Milledgeville), whose district includes Central State Hospital, also introduced a bill to create an ombudsman office, but says needed revisions can't be made in time for passage. Nevertheless, Grant said Tuesday that ''funding is something we can still handle. We have a lot of overall support to get a pilot started.'' Butler envisions a pilot ombudsman program in two regions, which he says... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Report recommends eliminating nine AAA offices Mar 4, 2008
In addition to meals, services include providing information and assistance to seniors, a long-term ombudsman program, in-home services, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Elder Volunteer for Elders (EVE), transportation, legal and counseling service, the Family Caregiver Support Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Program, the Missouri Senior RX program and SORT, (Seniors Organized to Restore Trust) a program that prevents Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. The regional directors put... (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
KSBW Community Calendar Feb 16, 2008
Monterey County Seeks Volunteers for Ombudsman Program. Alliance on Aging is looking for volunteers to for its Ombudsman Program in Monterey County. (KSBW 8, CA)
Nursing home makes changes to correct deficiencies Feb 15, 2008
The South Dakota Department of Social Services has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to advocate for and protect the rights of residents in long-term care or assisted living facilities. Area ombudsmen receive, investigate and seek to resolve complaints from, or on behalf of, residents of long-term care and residential facilities. (Rapid City Journal)
Did you know? Jan 24, 2008
Day 11: Catholic Charities Ombudsman Program advocates for patient's rights in nursing homes. Day 12: Elder Care Services shares information to prevent fraud and offers many resources to seniors. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Around the Region Jan 18, 2008
LONG-TERM OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS: The StanislausCounty Ombudsman program is offering training and certification. Ombudsman volunteers investigate and resolve complaints including reports of senior abuse and neglect. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Report: State must fund long-term health care Jan 17, 2008
The General Assembly and the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provided $280,000 in funding. More than 15,500 state residents 42 and older and health care providers were randomly asked to participate, and more than 6,200 responses were received. (Stamford Advocate)
Congress to scrap CDC ombudsman Dec 7, 2007
Dr. Stephen Thacker, director of the CDC's office of work force and career development, said Thursday he thinks the ombudsman program has been worthwhile. "I think those who have used it will be disappointed," he said, noting that the agency will find other ways to get staff input and resolve issues if the office is eliminated. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Volunteers make the difference Nov 21, 2007
Options for Independence would like to take this time to thank the Ombudsman Volunteers for their participation with the New York State Office for the Aging and the Cayuga County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) ... The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is always looking for new volunteers and welcomes any interested volunteer prospects to contact Options for Independence at the below number. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Aging in place: Legislators' goal: Keeping senior citizens in their homes as long as possible Oct 4, 2007
In 2003, state Long Term Care Ombudsman programs nationally investigated 20,673 complaints of abuse, gross neglect and exploitation on behalf of nursing home and board-and-care residents. What's even more telling is that experts believe only one in five cases are reported. (Pennsylvania Northeast Business Journal, PA)
New panel lists state psychiatric woes Sep 26, 2007
Officials with the Department of Human Resources, which runs the state hospitals, said at Tuesday's meeting that the agency is looking into improvements that include establishing an ombudsman program to represent patients in troubleshooting problems; expanding housing for people with mental illness; and improving services for patients after they are discharged from psychiatric hospitals. For years, the department declined to seek more state money for the hospitals. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
County gears up for Senior Academy II Aug 28, 2007
Topics in this year's Senior Academy II will include nutrition, Social Security, the Ombudsman Program, adult day care, emergency medical, chiropractic, hospice, Jo Daviess County transit. For more information, contact Chief Deputy Colin Fulrath or Deputy Lisa Duerr at (815) 777-2141 or (800) 373-7838. (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Growth curve Aug 25, 2007
The company's ombudsman program, which accounts for 13 new schools this fall, serves middle and high-school students who are at risk for dropping out or failing. Its spectrum center program, with two new sites this fall, helps "profoundly disabled" K-12 students, including those with autism and multiple learning disabilities. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
10 Tips: How to choose a nursing home Jul 18, 2007
Contact your states long-term care ombudsman program. Another important resource for you can be the ombudsman who monitors nursing homes in your state or local area. (MSNBC -- Business)
Budget Impasse Requires PA Department of Aging to Furlough Half of its Workforce Jul 7, 2007
-- Training, monitoring, and technical assistance to the AAAs for the ombudsman program would be limited. -- The AAAs' and the department's abilities to meet federal and state report requirements would be severely limited. (PR Newswire)
Mexico Manor may be forced to close as of June 18 Jun 9, 2007
Because of the possible disruption to residents, Gonder said, "We do inform the residents, next-of-kin, or guardian that they need to be finding another place. The facility is supposed to help, and then we also help through our ombudsman program," specifically referring to the Missouri Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Gonder said the program "wouldn't necessarily find a place for them," but said, "If there were a situation where a family needed help in how to start looking for a new place, we... (Mexico Ledger, MO)
Older volunteers honored May 19, 2007
"Not only does he help so many people get their Medi-Cal services, but he has never missed a training session, he volunteers in our ombudsman program, and he's very involved in his church. If he sees anyone in need that he could possibly help out with, he jumps right in there and does it." Madera County Volunteer of the YearNancy Harmon, the "Jill of all trades" at the Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst, has volunteered 14 hours per week there for the past year. As the treasurer of the Sierra... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Instruction change emphasizes ombudsman role in readiness Apr 20, 2007
Multiple revisions designed to emphasize the important role of the ombudsman and increase the resources of the Navy Family Ombudsman Program became effective March 30, reaffirming the Navy's commitment to and support of this dedicated group of volunteers ... This includes mandating Reserve commands to have an ombudsman program, and establishing responsibilities for losing and gaining commands in situations where family members remain in one community while the service member reports to another... (The Dolphin, CT)
READERS WRITE Apr 6, 2007
The April 2 editorial "CDC officials too coy with senator" about accountability in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ombudsman program raised important issues about the agency's mission success ... Grassley's request to discuss CDC's ombudsman program is legitimate - as is the ombudsmen's initial demurring until all relevant factors were known. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
CDC officials too coy with senator Apr 2, 2007
In the end, the ombudsman program at the CDC will only be successful if employees see it as independent of Gerberding and willing to address their concerns. A briefing for Grassley should help, not harm, that mission. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
CDC to hear legitimate concerns Apr 2, 2007
The CDC embarked on its ombudsman program with an understanding that our initial ombudsmen would work to assure employees of the ombudsmen's organizational independence. That said, we are encouraging them to find a way to address Grassley's legitimate interests. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
More of this story Mar 28, 2007
-Another source of help is the ombudsman program in the Office of Elder Affairs at 617-727-7750. Local ombudsmen program directors are Patti White at South Shore Elder Services in Braintree at 781-848-3939, Ext. (Brockton Enterprise, MA)
This week's column Feb 17, 2007
A Herald-Tribune article Tuesday about the state's long-term care ombudsman program described a complaint about conditions at an unnamed assisted living facility handled by the local ombudsman. Two photos of the ombudsman who handled the complaint accompanied the article. (Herald-Tribune)
Advocates for the elderly Feb 6, 2007
After hearing about the ombudsman program, Osenga, who had once volunteered in a nursing home while living in Georgia, thought she could help ... Last year, the ombudsman program handled 7,878 complaints, down from 9,070 the previous year. (Herald-Tribune)
A Rare Institution Serves a Need in Polk Jan 8, 2007
The ombudsman's annual inspection on April 18 found no deficiencies, and interviews with a half dozen residents were overwhelmingly positive, said Teague, who oversees the ombudsman program in Polk. He said only one criticism surfaced during a July 22, 2005, annual inspection: The Rohr Home did not have a family council whereby residents' relatives could meet and discuss concerns with staff. (The Ledger)
A secret Medicaid overhaul: An expensive lesson Jan 7, 2007
The state Bureau of Senior Services had a $992,000 contract to run the in-home care program and nursing home ombudsman program. BoSS employees spent much of 2006 dealing with in-home cutoffs and hearings. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Ombudsman Covers 3 Area Counties Jan 7, 2007
CINDY SKOP/THE LEDGER William Teague, 32, has been a district representative for the Florida Long-Term Ombudsman Program since August 2003 ... LAKELAND - William Teague is one of 17 district representatives for the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program ... In 2002 the ombudsman program was placed within the state Department of Elder Affairs. (The Ledger)
Florida's Nursing Home Caregiver Levels Just Meet U.S. Standards Jan 7, 2007
That bump, which translates to just 18 minutes a day of additional care, may not sound like much, but it will definitely reduce injuries even further, said William Teague, who oversees the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in Polk. Teague's office provides an additional layer of scrutiny for Polk's 23 nursing homes with bed space for up to 2,865 residents. (The Ledger)
Listening, health, family top resolution list Jan 2, 2007
Retired attorney Susan Warne, who is the ombudsman program coordinator for SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization s Area Agency on Aging, is enrolled with Health 20 and is working with the fitness center s personal trainer. I ve been going three days a week for a month now, and really enjoy it, Warne said. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
