Long-Term Care Ombudsman

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Become a Volunteer with the Central Mass Long Term Care Ombudsman Program!

What Does a Volunteer Ombudsman do?

• Visits residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis
• Listens to residents’ concerns or difficulties during the course of a facility visit
• Solves problems and mediates
• Reports observations
• Advocates for residents’ rights
• Supports the residents' privacy and confidentiality

What is the time commitment?

The Massachusetts Long Term Care Ombudsman Program requires volunteers to commit to at least one year of their time, spending 1-2 hours per week with residents at an assigned nursing home or rest home. An initial 20 hour classroom training is provided, along with on-site training and certification. There is also a 1-2 hour mandatory monthly staff meeting to provide ongoing training and education. Ombudsmen are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to ensure they are qualified and prepared.

Does volunteering require special skills?

The most important requirements are compassion, respect for older persons, and common sense. A positive attitude, a willingness to listen and the ability to communicate effectively and available time are also important. The Ombudsman Program will provide training and supervision to develop specific skills.

What skills will I develop?

• Communication
• Listening skills
• Relationship Building
• Confidentiality
• Complaint resolution
• Rights Advocacy

Who can volunteer?

Anyone who possesses a genuine care and concern for individuals and believes their efforts can impact the quality of life in Long Term Care. Reliable transportation is a must.

• Volunteers will fill out an application with the Program Director.
• All volunteers must pass a CORI.
• All volunteers must have proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
• Spanish speaking is a plus!
• Experience with elder care, nursing facilities, patient advocacy, caregiving, etc. are a plus.
• We are looking for volunteers across Central Massachusetts, but particularly in the southern part of the region which includes: West Brookfield, North Brookfield, Warren, Brookfield, East Brookfield, Spencer, Charlton, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Dudley, Oxford, Webster, Sutton, Douglas, Uxbridge, Northbridge, Mendon, Millville, Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Medway, Hopedale, Milford, and Upton.

To learn more or apply, email OMB@seniorconnection.org or call 508-853-1373 for application details.