Responds to complaints made by residents, or their family members, of long term care facilities.

Ombudsman may address issues related to:

A) Residents’ finances: Access to personal funds, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, charges, and billing
B) Quality of life: Concerns about food, the physical environment, and social activities
C) Professional care: Issues concerning medications, nursing care, physician and rehabilitative services and the use of restraints
D) Residents’ rights: Practices and policies that maintain the resident’s dignity; as well as policies regarding admission, transfer and discharge
E) Information and education: Referrals to long-term care programs; assistance in making informed decisions about long term care providers and education about residents’ rights