Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Cause Area

  • Advocacy & Human Rights
  • Community
  • Health & Medicine
  • Justice & Legal
  • Seniors

Location

830 D Street NESalem, OR 97301 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

The mission of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is to enhance the quality of life, improve the level of care, protect the individual's rights and promote the dignity of each Oregon citizen residing in a long-term care facility. The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an independent state agency that serves residents living in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and adult care homes. Check out our video: https://spark.adobe.com/video/OWtoSfT57fd2Z

Description

Certified Volunteer Ombudsmen ( om·buds·men / ˈȯm-, -bədz-, -ˌmen) work as a team to advocate for the rights and dignity of residents who are elderly and disabled living in long-term care facilities. Ombudsmen are the voice of the consumer and work to make the system responsive to individual needs and wishes. Ombudsman investigate and resolve problems collegially until resident concerns have been resolved.

There are many facilities in need of a volunteer to advocate for residents living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult foster homes. Residents have no one to watch out for them or speak up when things go wrong: call lights go unanswered, meals arrive cold or medications are given incorrectly.

Volunteers enjoy a flexible schedule, seeing the difference they make for the resident, local training and support, an opportunity to expand learning and meet like-minded people. You don’t have to be an expert-you just have to care. Great training and a team environment come with the job. Make a difference today as a volunteer Ombudsman.

Learning more is easy! Join our on-line open house monthly. Visit our website link below to sign up. Or call, 800-522-2602 and ask about volunteering today.

Reviews

Would you recommend Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman?
9 reviews Write a review
by Lene' G. from Salem, OR (2017-07-03 16:09:20.0)
The Ombudsman Office in California was very helpful in supporting my grandmother's transition from a nursing home back to her own home. Having an advocate that speaks specifically for the resident is really valuable. This experience is what compelled me to pursue employment at the Ombudsman Office.
by Barbara S. (2016-09-02 23:18:25.0)
I'm 3000 miles from my mother who is in assisted living so I can't help her on a regular basis but working with the ombudsman's program I can help others in her situation locally. The program let's me advocate for seniors who can no longer advocate for themselves. The local paid staff is great and I enjoy getting together monthly with the other volunteers
by CR W. (2010-04-14 17:15:29.0)
I tried to volunteer here, I left a message but never heard back. When I called again, the receptionist was rude. I'm going to keep looking and find a place where they have some manners. This was frustrating.
by Diane B. (2010-03-29 21:23:58.0)
The Long-Term Ombudsman program is a much needed service for those vulnerable residents in long-term facilities. I feel honored to be assisting residents who need someone to speak up for their rights. The state office for which I work is supportive and helpful with problem-solving.
by Bill B. (2009-08-29 14:37:04.0)
This is an opportunity to make a difference, one fragile elder at a time. It is very rewarding to speak for people who may no longer be able to do so on their own. Intense training and regular support meetings with fellow volunteers prepare us to address the many challenges facing long term care residents today.
by Pat S. (2009-08-31 11:53:31.0)
LJM is right, my friend just resigned as a volunteer because she couldn't get help from the staff--they wouldn't even return her calls.
Previously Flagged and Approved
by LJ M. (2009-08-31 11:38:28.0)
This agency is in trouble.
Previously Flagged and Approved
by Cynthia C. from Portland, OR (2008-10-07 17:21:27.0)
Regular visits with a resident of a long term care facility make such a difference! I can see it during my weekly visits with an elderly lady in our neighborhood care facility. The staff identified this resident as one who might be suffering loneliness and isolation. Her family's visits can be infrequent and stressful but when I'm there we are just friends. She really seems to enjoy the conversation or having me read to her. And I've never left her place without feelings of affection and admiration for her.
by Edith G. from Winchester, OR (2008-10-03 22:31:23.0)
Seniors and others in long term care facilities in Douglas County benefit from certified Ombudsman advocates who can inform them of their rights, insure quality care and help them to maintain their dignity.

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