- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
-
5 people are interested
Help Us Protect the Frail and Forgotten--Become a Volunteer Ombudsman
ORGANIZATION: Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Please visit the new page to apply.
- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
-
5 people are interested
Make a Difference in the Life of an Elder
Our volunteers are a critical component of the Ombudsman program. Without their commitment and tireless efforts we would be unable to meet the ever increasing demand for our services. Working under the supervision of staff, our volunteer Ombudsmen advocate for long-term care facility residents, conduct visits to facilities and respond to resident complaints. To learn more about what an Ombudsman does watch this video: https://youtu.be/6VRmetXQVEY
What Does a Volunteer Ombudsman Do?
- Advocate for quality care
- Regularly visit skilled nursing and residential care facilities
- Act as a voice for vulnerable residents while resolving complaints
- Encourage facility staff to meet residents’ needs
- Support resident’s rights, privacy, and confidentiality
- Investigate allegations of abuse in long term care facilities
- Witness the signing of Advanced Healthcare Directives
- Attend monthly in-service meetings
- Submit reports on a monthly basis in a timely manner
- Keep complete and accurate notes and documentation
- Have Fun! This is a great volunteer experience and a chance to make a meaningful difference in the life of an elderly facility resident.
- Must have the ability to be objective, independent, assertive, investigative, and fair-minded
- Must be a good listener and respect resident’s wishes
- Must respect and have appreciation for cultural, ethnic, sexual, and religious diversity
- Must possess good communication and organizational skills, both written and oral
- Must possess the ability to work with supervision and follow direction of the program coordinator
- Must be free from conflicts of interest
- Must maintain confidentiality
- Complete the California Department of Aging security awareness training annually
- Certified Ombudsman representatives who use their private automobiles on Ombudsman-related business must have current automobile insurance
More opportunities with Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Location:
615 CALIFORNIA AVE, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93304, US
Mission Statement
An advocate for long-term care residents and their families. The LTC Ombudsman program: receives, investigates, and resolves issues and concerns made by or on behalf of residents in skilled nursing or licensed residential care facilities. Under the law, the LTC Ombudsman program helps protect the rights of residents and responds to allegations of abuse and neglect. Issues include: Abuse physical, verbal, sexual, psychological, and financial Resident to resident abuse Accidental or injury of unknown origin, falls, improper handling Autonomy, choice, preference, exercise of rights Admission, transfer, discharge, eviction Use of chemical or physical restraints Personal care issues
Description
The local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves as the first line of defense for residents of care facilities, making unannounced facility visits and assisting residents in licensed facilities, such as skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) and residential care facilities for the elderly (assisted living facilities).
The Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is directed by Ms. Devora Gonzalez. Ms. Gonzalez has been with the program for almost a decade, and her dedication to the advocacy for seniors has increased awareness of the rights of the residents she serves throughout Kern County. Ms. Gonzalez’ was trained well by her predecessor, Ms. Nona Tolentino. Many in the community fondly remember the spirit with which Ms. Tolentino advocated for the residents she served for over a decade as the director of the program.
Ms. Nona was instrumental in the State Attorney General’s 2009 case against employees at a skilled nursing facility, where two dozen residents were illegally drugged and three residents died from chemical restraints. Nona brought the case to the attention of state officials and the subsequent criminal prosecutions helped generate the momentum for a national effort to curb misuse of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Throughout Kern CountyBakersfield, CA 93309
DATE POSTED
June 3, 2019
SKILLS
- Advocacy
- Case Work / Management
- Conflict Resolution
- People Skills
- Nursing
- Healthcare
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
- Group
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training
- Minimum of 6-10 hours per month on facility visits. One year commitment. A one-time 36 hour program of mandated training before beginning to volunteer. A one-time 10 hours of internship. 12 hours additional training yearly.
- Ineligibility: Volunteer or immediate family have financial interest in or compensation from a long term care facility. Volunteer is employed by a long term care facility or has been in the last 12 months.