NORC Director

News Release

Lori Smetanka Named Director of National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Washington, DC —The board of directors of the National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) has announced the appointment of Lori Owen Smetanka, Esquire as the Director of the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.  Smetanka has worked for NCCNHR as a staff person for the Center and as NCCNHR's Law and Policy Specialist since 1996.

“Lori is an excellent choice to lead the Ombudsman Resource Center,” said NCCNHR President William F. Benson, adding, “Her knowledge of the ombudsman program, her legal skills, and her commitment to improving the lives of those who live in our nation’s long-term care facilities are just right for this important position.”

Smetanka graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law and has written documents for consumers, ombudsmen and attorneys on various long-term care issues. Her priorities for the Center include seeking additional resources for the long-term care ombudsman program, strengthening data consistency, and implementing Center tasks that promote effective and uniform training. Smetanka assumes the role of Center director replacing Alice H. Hedt who became NCCNHR's Executive Director in January 2004. "Lori has the passion for residents and the long-term care experience that will enhance the important work of the Ombudsman Center,” Hedt said in announcing Smetanka’s appointment. “She is a dedicated advocate who is committed to addressing the complex long-term care issues that face this country's 2.7 million residents of nursing homes, assisted living and other types of long-term care facilities."

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center is funded by the Administration on Aging to provide support, training and technical assistance to a network of 10,000 volunteers and paid staff who are authorized under the Older Americans Act to resolve resident complaints and represent resident interests. Located in every state, Guam, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, the Ombudsman Program annually handles 261,000 complaints, conducts 10,000 community information sessions and provides consultations on facility selection and resident care to 296,000  residents, family members and other consumers.  The Center is housed at the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, which partners with the National Association of State Units on Aging to provide Center services.

NCCNHR was founded in 1975 by Elma L. Holder as a national, non-profit membership organization to improve the long-term care system and the quality of life of nursing home residents. Its mission includes providing information and technical assistance to consumers and consumer advocates; promoting best practices; and providing a voice in Washington for long-term care consumers. Its board of directors includes residents of long-term care facilities; representatives of resident and citizen advocacy groups; and state and local long-term care ombudsmen.

For more information about NCCNHR and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center see the following Web sites: http://.nursinghomeaction.org  and  www.ltcombudsman.org

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