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Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

"Because dignity and quality of life are a right, not a privilege."

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman provides information, outreach, and advocacy for individuals living in long-term care residential settings, including nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities.

What can an Ombudsman do for you?

  • Listen to complaints concerning the quality of service and resident satisfaction
  • Research and clarify questions raised by residents, customers, facilities and the community
  • Resolve conflicts or misunderstandings between individuals and service providers
  • Help people work together to assure satisfactory service
  • Help consumers with the complaints, grievances or fair hearings;
  • Monitor the implementation of the resolution process;
  • Recommend changes to the consumer or provider on how to avoid future problems.
  • Provide information about community resources, consumer rights and opportunities for involvement in local decision-making processes to consumers.
  • Direct callers to local, regional, and state mental health advocacy organizations, support groups, and qualified providers.

 

Volunteer:  Make a Difference in Your Community

Volunteers come from all walks of life, various age groups and educational levels.  The common thread is a passion for older adults and persons with disabilities.  Expenses such as mileage are reimbursable.

We are part of the Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman program, a federally mandated program created by the Older Americans Act (see program video).

What is the Commitment Involved?

  • Four full days of initial training
  • Four hours per week of service
  • Monthly volunteer meetings
  • Monthly reporting
 

Program Information:

Volunteer Information:

 

For more information call:

(Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Klickitat and Skamania)
Staci Levison (360)694-9007
Address: 201 NE 73rd Street #201, Vancouver WA, 98665
Fax: (360)696-4905
E-mail address: levissm@dshs.wa.gov

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