Ombudsman Volunteer Recognition Programs/Events

View stories recognizing the volunteer ombudsmen. These stories were collect by NORC, on behalf of the Administration on Aging (AoA). AoA featured these stories during National Volunteer Week 2011.

Best Practices

Ohio Local Volunteer Ombudsman Recognized by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Columbus
The Star Award, given by Catholic Social Services, is awarded to a person who has made a significant impact on the lives of others through his or her commitment, consistent with the values of Catholic Social Services. The Star Award is presented annually at Breakfast with the Bishop.

Roger Benjamin has served as a long-term care ombudsman (LTCOP) volunteer since 2005. He began volunteering at New Albany Nursing Care Center and soon began visiting the adjoining assisted living facility. At ombudsmen staff requests, he has also provided advocacy visits at additional nursing homes and assisted living facilities. For the past two years, Roger has regularly visited Emeritus at Chestnut Hill Assisted Living Community several times each month.

Roger has developed a strong working relationship with facility staff and residents recognize Roger as their advocate. Throughout the years, he has been very responsive to the needs of the staff ombudsmen and volunteer coordinator, and has participated in the Ohio Department of Aging’s focus group, providing excellent feedback on the volunteer training manual and volunteer report formats.

Roger works with residents to resolve uncomplicated complaints each time he visits and works closely with LTCOP staff on more complex issues. He presents detailed accounts of his activities to the long-term care ombudsman program enabling staff to identify trends and concerns requiring additional investigation and advocacy. When necessary, Roger has also submitted complaints to the Ohio Department of Health complaint hotline.

In the past five years, Roger has contributed 510 visits to Central Ohio long-term care facilities where he has touched the lives, visited, and advocated for more than 2,800 residents. Roger’s activities demonstrate his compassion and drive to gain quality care and quality life for every long-term care recipient he meets.

In addition to volunteering for the LTCOP, Roger also dedicated three years to Odyssey Hospice, where he received their volunteer of the month honors.

Prior to retirement, Roger worked as a patent attorney for Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals. He is married and has three adult sons four grandchildren.

Catholic Social Services appreciates his commitment to excellence and empathy for his fellow man and is honored to award Roger Benjamin, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteer the 2010 Star Award.

Wisconsin Newsletter and Volunteer Recognition

Wisconsin Ombudsman Volunteer Edmond A. Weaver Receives 6th Annual Louise Abraham Yaffee Award