Maine Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Description

The Maine Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is a private, nonprofit statewide agency that advocates for residents of Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Residential Care Facilities, and consumers of Home Care and Adult Day Care Services. Ombudsman is a Swedish word for citizen advocate. We are federally and state funded. The Ombudsman Program's mandate is to promote and protect resident rights and to monitor issues related to quality of care and dignity. Because of mandates added by the Maine State Legislature, the Maine Ombudsman Program advocates for all consumers of long term care, whether they reside in their own home or a facility.

Our volunteers visit residents of long term care facilities at least twice each month, but are urged to visit weekly and file reports with the Program outlining their interactions, activities and observations.

Volunteers must attend a two day initial training. Additionally, volunteers are expected to attend regional quarterly meetings.

If you have the heart of an advocate and care about dignity and quality of care for those who may not be able to speak for themselves, please contact us.