BP - KY Services

2006 Annual State Ombudsman Training Conference
Success in Ombudsman Programs

Comprehensive Ombudsman Services

Kentucky

Category: Program Management

Project Description: 

All certified ombudsmen are paid employees of the local LTCO program.  Thirty-two part time ombudsmen are assigned to facilities that they visit on average one half hour per resident per facility per month.  Example, if there is one facility in Powell County and that facility has 90 residents, we assign 45 hours per month to the ombudsman for that county.  The ombudsman, typically a retired female, distributes her home phone number to consumers and facility staff, regularly visits residents using a random schedule that is not predictable by facility staff, investigates complaints, documents complaint work for NORS, supports resident and family councils, and educates residents, family, and LTC staff about resident right.  The ombudsman is almost always a resident of that county.  They help recruit and supervise friendly visiting volunteers.  They help raise awareness and funds to support the local LTCO program for their county. 

Each ombudsman is assigned to an ombudsman team which usually consists of 5 ombudsmen.  The team is led by an experienced senior ombudsman.  Each month ombudsmen meet with their team and leader to review cases, review NORS paper work for accuracy, complete monthly reports on each facility, turn in time sheets, and receive additional ombudsman skill training.  Each ombudsman and team leader is supervised by the district ombudsman and  a licensed social worker/certified ombudsman.  All ombudsmen and team leaders for the 17 county area meet every other month with the district ombudsman and licensed social worker/certified ombudsman for additional training and case review

This local LTCO program is an incorporated agency that carries a contract with Area Agency on Aging to perform ombudsman duties as described in the Older Americans Act.  The corporation is governed by a Board of Directors.  Directors are consumers of long-term care, family, and friends of consumers.  The Board of Directors and administrative staff of the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, Inc work together to secure  financial support from 52 separate entities plus additional fund-raising events so that all residents have regular and immediate access to certified ombudsmen. 

Project Impact:

One ombudsman for approximately every 140 LTC residents in the Bluegrass District of Kentucky.  Residents experience consistent comprehensive ombudsman services. 

Contact Person: Sherry Culp

Phone Number: 859-277-9215   Fax:  859-277-4843  E-mail: ombuddypd@aol.com