Ombudsmen Volunteer Opportunities
Have volunteer opportunities available? E-mail NORC at ombudcenter@theconsumervoice.org.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Washington
Alaska
Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Volunteers are needed to advocate for and promote the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. For more information, call (800) 730-6393, ext. 2, or 334-4485.
Arizona
Area Agency on Aging, Region One Inc. - Maricopa County, Arizona (greater Phoenix area)
The Area Agency on Aging, Region One Inc. is seeking ombudsman volunteers to serve as advocates for the residents of long term care facilities in Maricopa County. As a federally mandated program, we are committed to helping residents, family, and staff achieve the best possible quality of life in Arizona’s long-term care facilities. Upon completion of a comprehensive training, volunteers are certified by the Arizona State Department of Economic Security. Ombudsman volunteers are invited to quarterly trainings and receive ongoing support from ombudsman staff. As an ombudsman volunteer you will be asked to commit to around 8 hours of service per month in your assigned long term care facility.
If you would like more information about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please contact Teresa Teeple at (602) 241-6132 or teresa.teeple@aaaphx.org
California
Ombudsman Services of Northern California
The Area Agency on Aging is seeking volunteers for long-term care ombudsmen certification training.
Volunteers can be elderly residents' link to the community, helping to resolve problems and promoting respect and dignity on their behalf. Volunteers monitor facilities and investigate complaints of elder abuse and neglect. Free certification classes begin March 2 in Fairfield.
If interested in serving the elderly, contact Donna Wong at Ombudsman Services of Northern California at 644-4194 or 1-800-644-4194, or via e-mail to dwong@osnc.net.
For more information, visit www.osnc.net.
District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking interested individuals to serve as ombudsman volunteers. Ombudsman volunteers serve as advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and community-living facilities, protecting residents' rights and promoting the highest possible quality of care.
For more information, contact Genesis Cachedon at 202-434-2037 or gcachedon@aarp.org.
Georgia
McIntosh Trail Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Description
Volunteer Certified Ombudsman: Join our program by becoming certified and visit nursing home and personal care home residents on a regular basis to check on their care and handle any complaints they might have.
Volunteer Visitor: Visit with residents in nursing homes and personal care homes (assisted living). Check with residents for concerns they might have about their care or etc. that the Certified Ombudsman might address for them.
Volunteer OmBuddy: Visit a nursing home resident on a weekly one to one basis.
Volunteer Trainer/Program Information Person: Present in-service training/community education.
Volunteer fundraising and grant writing.
Special Event Volunteer: Provide assistance at our StarDust Ball and Dinner Dance and/or Winter Holiday Luncheon.
Volunteer Data Entry Person: Monthly reports entry
Skills
LTC Ombudsman Program Volunteer: Certified Volunteer: Four year degree/two years aging experience. Depends on the Volunteer position being applied for. Utmost, be sincere in your effort as a volunteer. Good listener and caring personality. Fundraising experience.
Contact: Penny Medhurst, (770)567-5951, http://www.gacoco.org
Massachusetts
Greater Springfield Senior Services
Greater Springfield Senior Services is seeking caring individuals to serve as volunteer advocates for residents of nursing homes and rest homes though its long-term care ombudsman program.
Ombudsmen visit with residents once a week to listen to their concerns and address issues affecting the quality of their care. They investigate complaints made by residents or family members and work with the facility to resolve them.
For more information, call the ombudsman coordinator at Greater Springfield Senior Services, (413) 781-8800, ext.178.
The long-term care ombudsman program is a state and federally mandated service for all residents in area nursing homes to ensure that their personal rights are respected and they receive treatment in clean, comfortable environments.
Greater Springfield Senior Services is a nonprofit organization established in 1972 to provide a variety of in-home and community based services for older adults and their caregivers. It serves the communities of Agawam, Brimfield, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Holland, Longmeadow, Monson, Palmer, Springfield, Wales, West Springfield and Wilbraham.
New Mexico
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Imagine that you are hundreds of miles away from family. Strangers dress and bathe you but do not have time to listen because so many others need their care. You would like to tell them that your roommate is stealing your things, but the stroke you had makes your speech difficult to understand.
You need someone to speak up for you. You need an ombudsman.
Ombudsman is a Swedish word meaning "carrier of the message." The department's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides a voice for the residents of long-term care facilities. The ombudsmen carry the wishes and complaints of the residents to the facility's management. Complaints are generally minor and can be resolved within the facility. On some occasions, however, the ombudsman can play a life-saving role by reporting the abuse, neglect or exploitation to state authorities and being directly involved in an ensuing investigation.
Volunteer ombudsmen come from all walks of life. What they have in common is a desire to make a difference in the lives of the elderly and disabled.
Volunteers receive extensive training before they are certified as ombudsmen and receive occasional refresher courses. Department staff provide ongoing support and guidance to the volunteers.
For more information on becoming an ombudsman, e-mail State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Sondra Everhart, or call her toll-free at 1-866-451-2901.
New York
New York City Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The New York City Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking interested individuals to serve as Ombudsman volunteers.
Ombudsmen volunteers are advocates for residents living in long term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult homes.
Upon successful completion of a training program, Ombudsman volunteers are certified by the NY State Office for the Aging, work closely with their borough Ombudsman Supervisor and are assigned to a facility in their area where they make weekly visits to meet with the facility residents.
Interested volunteers must be:
• At least 21 years old
• Be able to commit to weekly visits for one year
• Be sensitive to the needs of older long term care residents
Ombudsmen provide a voice for elderly residents in long term care facilities and investigate complaints of elder abuse and neglect, quality of care and quality of life issues. The Program is mandated by the federal government in accordance with the Older Americans Act of 1965 as amended.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact the NY City Long Term Care Ombudsman Program at 212-962-2720 or send an email to lhall@nyfscltcop.org.
Chemung-Schuyler-Tioga Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Chemung-Schuyler-Tioga Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking interested individuals to serve as ombudsman volunteers.
Ombudsman volunteers are advocates for residents who live in local family-type homes for adults, adult care facilities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, according to a news release.
Upon successful completion of a 36-hour training program, ombudsman volunteers are assigned to a long-term care facility in their community where they visit regularly, at least once a week, the release says.
The service is confidential and free of charge for the adult residents.
Interested volunteers must:
- Be at least 21 years old and complete the mandatory training program.
- Have good listening and problem-solving skills.
- Be sensitive to the needs of long term care residents and wish to protect their rights and dignity.
A regional certification-training program for volunteers will be held May 17 through 19 and May 24 through 26. When volunteer ombudsmen successfully complete the program, they will be assigned to the facility of his or her choice in Chemung, Schuyler or Tioga counties.
Those interested are asked to call coordinator Kim Salisbury at (607) 737-5536 or send e-mail to ksalisbury@co.chemung.ny.us.
Madison County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Madison County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers for advocacy positions at long term care facilities. An ombudsman is a highly trained volunteer who is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and the quality of care for residents of long-term care facilities.
Volunteers obtain New York state certification to act as qualified ombudsmen. Training helps to prepare volunteers to visit long-term care residents, investigate and resolve complaints, and utilize their skills to advocate for their rights.
For more information, contact Eileen Augustyn at RSVP, the Madison County program sponsor, at 684-3001, ext. 115.
SUNY Oswego RSVP Program
SUNY Oswego’s RSVP program needs volunteers to advocate for adults in long-term care facilities in Oswego County, and will provide training in May.
Many frail adults lack family support, and RSVP volunteers can help ensure they receive quality care and continue to be recognized as individuals. The volunteers, called ombudsmen, help address residents’ issues before they escalate into major health or safety problems.
To volunteer and to register for training, contact Carolyn Schloss, Oswego County coordinator, at 350-9969.
For other volunteer opportunities and for more information about RSVP, contact Director Ellen Wahl, at 312-2317 or rsvp@oswego.edu. RSVP is a public service for older Americans, sponsored locally by SUNY Oswego and the United Way.
Ohio
MANSFIELD -- The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is looking for volunteers to visit nursing home residents, and advocate for their rights, in and around Richland County. Volunteers are provided with 14 hours of initial training, ongoing support and training and can be assigned to a nursing home near their home or work. Volunteers need to be 18 or older and able to commit four to six hours a month to visit.
For details, call Melissa Wilson at 800-522-5680 or mwilson@aaa5ohio.org.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Area Agency on Aging is seeking volunteer ombudsmen to visit elder residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in their area.
Ombudsmen are advocates for residents in long-term care facilities and help resolve problems between residents and staff. As advocates for the residents, volunteers ensure the residents’ rights are upheld while receiving dignified, quality care.
All volunteers receive specific training in the field of Residents’ Rights, communication and problem-solving during two six-hour sessions. Volunteers must be willing to dedicate two hours per week to facility visitation and a monthly ombudsman meeting.
For more information or to volunteer, please call Ombudsman Supervisors at the Central Oklahoma Economic Development District office, 273-0164 for Pottawatomie, Hughes and Seminole Counties, dial extension 127 for Patti Marshall or for Lincoln, Payne, Pawnee and Okfuskee Counties, dial extension 133.
Oregon
The Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman is seeking volunteer advocates for Central Oregon residents in care facilities.
The agency of the state government is dedicated to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of people living in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and other long-term care places. The office has volunteers in various regions of the state to advocate for seniors in long-term care.
For more information on how to become a volunteer or to report a concern about a long-term care facility, call local volunteer Tom Landis at 541-480-4803 or Gretchen Jordan, volunteer coordinator, at 800-522-2602, or visit www.oregon.gov/LTCO.
Rhode Island
Volunteer Ombudsman Program – Alliance For Better Long Term Care
Nearly 50 percent of Rhode Island nursing homes residents do not receive any visits from family or friends. They feel alone, isolated and powerless. Volunteer Ombudsmen speak for those who can no longer speak for themselves. If you posses skills in listening, communicating, problem solving, empathy and good judgment and wish to help elderly and disabled Rhode Islanders who receive long term care, please consider becoming a volunteer ombudsman. We seek those who are willing to complete a comprehensive training course and who can devote three to five hours per week assisting residents at assigned facilities close to home or work.
Rhode Island Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Alliance for Better Long Term Care, as a non-profit, independent advocacy organization, defends the rights of those who can no longer speak for themselves, elderly and disabled Rhode Islanders who receive long term care services in nursing homes, assisted living residences, and those who receive licensed home care or hospice services. Residents in nursing homes are among the most frail and vulnerable. At times, they need help to improve their quality of life and care. An ombudsman can provide assistance so all facility residents receive respectful and competent care. The Alliance is the designated office of the Rhode Island State Ombudsman for Long-Term Care. Under the federal authority of the Older Americans Act, the ombudsman’s role is that of health oversight along with monitoring quality of life and health care services of those who reside in long term care facilities. Provide services and information to residents and their representatives and ensure adherence of the rights and well being of residents living in long term care. Represent the interest of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies to protect health, safety and well-being. To ensure federal mandates are observed throughout the long term care system and to recommend changes in state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, guideline practices and procedures to improve the health, safety, welfare and rights of those receiving long term care services in all settings. To develop and encourage resident and public education programs that publicize the rights and dignity of residents within the long term care system. To coordinate within licensing, enforcement and other appropriate agencies to assure investigation of abuse and neglect and expedite complaints and follow up with corrective actions.
How to Become a Volunteer Ombudsman
Prospective volunteers must complete an application, provide references (not from family or friends), and meet for an interview with the Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator. There is a 36-hour training program held over the course of two to three weeks which includes guest speakers, reading materials, lecture, nursing home tour and a written test.
Potential volunteers must pass a criminal background check and also have PPD test done for tuberculosis.
Volunteer are asked to commit three to five hours per week visiting residents at assigned facilities convenient in location to their workplace or home. Volunteers are also expected to submit monthly visit reports and to attend short continuing education programs several times a year. Volunteer Ombudsman are individuals from every walk of life who advocate for and defend the rights of elderly and disabled persons living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care or hospice. You can make a difference one person at a time! Please contact us for more information about becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman at 401-785-3340 or 1-888-351-0808 and ask for Lorrena Nardi or e-mail at lnardi@alliancebltc.org.
Tennessee
Davidson and Williamson Counties
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to visit and advocate for elderly residents of long-term care facilities in Williamson and Davidson counties. Volunteers are assigned to a nursing home or assisted care living facility and complete weekly visitations. Requirements include patience, the ability to be objective and concern for the vulnerable elderly population. Two-day training certification classes are held regularly. Call 615-452-5259 or e-mail spitt@mchra.com.
Middle Tennessee and Cheatham County
The Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program advocates for the rights of thousands of residents in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and homes for the aged in Cheatham County and 12 additional counties in Middle Tennessee.
Ombudsman staff consists of two District Ombudsmen and an Ombudsman assistant, along with more than 30 trained volunteers.
Trained, certified Ombudsman volunteers pay regular visits to these facilities, where they spend time with residents, monitor conditions, investigate complaints, educate regarding abuse and neglect and protect residents’ rights.
The program offers mediation, complaint resolution and public education for residents and their families.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is actively recruiting for volunteers in the Cheatham County are. Volunteer applicants must pass a background check and attend a 16 hour in-house training.
Individuals interested in becoming a volunteer Ombudsman should contact the program by calling 452-1687 or 452-5259 or e-mail pbedwell@mchra.com or spit@mchra.com.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a partner agency with the United Way of Cheatham County.
Washington
Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is recruiting for volunteer long-term care ombudsmen from the community.
In these tough economic times, there is an especial need for volunteers to visit and advocate for vulnerable adults living in licensed, long-term care facilities.
Many are living in adult family homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Snohomish County and are in need of help.
As a certified volunteer long term care ombudsman, individuals can make a difference by being an advocate, educator, investigator and problem solver.
Volunteer ombudsmen come from all walks of life, various age groups and educational levels. The common thread is an interest in serving older adults and persons with disabilities.
Volunteers receive four days of free training to become certified ombudsmen. They are asked to volunteer four hours a week, attend monthly meetings and submit a monthly activity report. Expenses such as mileage are reimbursable.
The Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes the interests, well-being and rights of vulnerable adults living in long term care facilities. It is part of the Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman program, a federally mandated program created by the Older Americans Act.
For more information and an application packet, contact Michal Glauner at 425-388-7393 or michal.glauner@snoco.org.