New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman

Mission Statement

The New Jersey's Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly is to receive, investigate and resolve complaints concering certain health care facilities serving the elderly and to protect, preserve and promote the health and safety, welfare and civil and human rights of the residents 60 years of age and older, of such facilities. Our top service and advoacy priority is to eradicate abuse and neglect in long term care. Consistent with this mission, participants in the Volunteer Advocate Program are trained to proactively resolve quality of care and quality of life issues as close to the bedside as possible through a facility "contact person". By establishing a presence in facilities, volunteer advocates can preven abuse, neglect and exploitation of New Jersey's (60 years of age +) population residing in long term health care facilities througout the State.