Advocate for Quality Long-Term Care

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The Volunteer Ombudsman Program is currently accepting new volunteers across the State of Iowa at this time.

Volunteer Ombudsman are trained, certified volunteers who visit one local long-term care facility to advocate for residents' rights. This includes visiting with residents about their quality of life and quality of care in long-term care.

Volunteers spend a minimum of three hours per month visiting residents in their assigned facility. You can complete your visits whenever it is convenient for your schedule! Volunteers visit with residents, educate them about their rights in long-term care, and help communicate any concerns they may have to the facility to be resolved.

Volunteers submit a report to the office each month. Training is required prior to facility placement, and ongoing training and volunteer education is provided by the program. A minimum commitment of one year is required. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Certain conflicts of interest may prevent some people from serving as volunteers; including current employees of long-term care facilities and their family members.

You may download an application from www.iowaaging.gov/vop or contact Lisa Van Klavern at 1-866-236-1430 or email lisa.vanklavern@iowa.gov.