Illinois Training Modules

BEYOND THE BASICS:  TRAINING MODULES
(Our thanks to the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for sharing this excellent resource)  

Six training modules were developed by the Illinois Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (IL LTCOP) for use with ombudsmen who have completed the basic training. The goal was to have modules which: could be taught as "stand alone" segments in a relatively brief time; were based on adult learning principles; had accompanying narrative materials for reference purposes; and were consistent with the IL program's regulations and policies. An advisory committee supplied direction and feedback throughout the process.  

The goal of the "Teaching Tips" for each module is to minimize lecture and to integrate teaching points throughout the class exercises.  Thus, the Tips suggest a variety of application based activities. It is strongly recommended that individuals read the pertinent narrative material before attending training so that training time can be spent applying the content to typical ombudsman case situations. Trainers can use the Tips as a guide, substituting their own case studies to tailor the content to issues in a specific area. Each "Teaching Tips" includes master overheads for emphasizing salient points, master handouts, and suggestions for individual and group activities using a variety of methodologies.  

The six modules were developed via contract with Sara Hunt. Two of the six, "Involuntary Transfer and Discharge" and "Working with the IL Department of  Public Health," were developed by Hollis Turnham. The IL LTCOP has graciously granted permission for other ombudsman programs to use and/or adapt these materials with appropriate credit to the IL program and to the individual authors. Please share your feedback and any "new and improved" versions of these modules you develop with the Center. We will be sure these are also sent to the IL LTCOP.  

Please Note: PDF versions of these documents may contain blank pages or editing problems that are unable to be corrected on the website. For a clean copy, please contact the Ombudsman Resource Center.

Investigation
The investigation module discusses empowerment as an integral part of an ombudsman investigation; provides information about investigation skills for ombudsmen; and provides guidance in working through dilemmas encountered during an investigation. 

  Investigation Module  

  Investigation Module: Teaching Tips

 

Resolution
The resolution module discusses factors to consider in analyzing the information acquired during the ombudsman investigation and in planning resolution strategies; introduces resolution strategies; and presents other factors ombudsmen need to consider when seeking resolution.

Resolution Module  

Resolution Teaching Module: Teaching Tips  

 

Documentation
The documentation module explains how documentation helps ombudsmen with problem solving, and provides guidance regarding what to document and how to document. 

 Ombudsman Case Documentation Module

 Ombudsman Case Documentation Module: Teaching Tips  

 

Access 
The access module is to provide information regarding long term care ombudsman access to facilities, residents, resident records and other records pertinent to facilities, as well as access by others to Long Term Care Ombudsman Program records. 

Access Module 

Access Module: Teaching Tips  

 

Involuntary Discharge
The involuntary discharge module explains legal requirements a nursing home must meet in order to legally transfer or discharge a resident from an Illinois nursing home; explains the resident's rights in this eviction process; explains your role as Ombudsman in protecting residents' rights; and identifies helpful tips for Ombudsmen dealing with involuntary transfer issues and obstacles you may face in serving residents. 

Involuntary Discharge  

Involuntary Discharge: Teaching Tip

 

Illinois: 
The Illinois module introduces the Ombudsmen to the wide range of functions and responsibilities of the Illinois Department of Public Health; explains the various long term care functions and responsibilities of the IDPH; and acquaints Ombudsmen with the ways to create and foster an active, practical and productive relationship with the IDPH in order to better serve the interests of long term care facilities' residents. 

Working with the Illinois Department of Health  

Working with the Illinois Department of Health: Teaching Tips