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.

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 the second Friday of each month at 1:00 pm. Visit our website link below to sign up. Or call, 800-522-2602 and ask about volunteering today.

http://www.oregon.gov/LTCO

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