If you have a problem with a long-term care facility, it may be worth considering hiring an ombudsman. This professional can help to resolve any complaint. While all nursing homes must have a formal grievance process in place, residents may be hesitant to speak up about their concerns, for fear of being retaliated by staff. An ombudsman, however, can establish a relationship with residents and become a confidant. Also, the ombudsman has the reputation of being impartial so residents can trust him to listen to their concerns.
Responsibilities
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is available to residents and the general public. He or she investigates complaints and works with nursing homes to implement changes. The ombudsman's job is to empower residents and families to make informed decisions. They respond to resident complaints, promote transparency in the long-term care industry, and educate the community about the needs of long-term care residents.
The ombudsman, a volunteer and independent advocate, investigates complaints from residents. He then solves them using professional mediation. He works closely with residents, staff, as well as governmental agencies, to improve the quality care. He offers free consultations to longterm care facilities. The Ombudsman can help with complaints regarding admissions and transfers as well as discharges.
Funding
LTC Ombudsman Program residents of nursing and assisted living facilities as well as B&C homes are covered. Its mission: to help residents understand their rights and improve their lives. The office of the ombudsman also provides training to staff at B&C homes and nursing facilities on how to deal with complaints and improve resident care. In 2013, 70% visited nursing homes on a daily or quarterly basis. These numbers have dropped from more than half of those in 2003.
A number of groups and organisations have expressed concern about the insufficient funding for this program. Governor Christie announced a study to examine the state's longterm care system. The funding level was not addressed in the bill. Currently, only half of the state's 1,500 nursing homes and adult care facilities have Ombudsman staff. The Ombudsman program is the only state program that has a dedicated budget, but Governor Cuomo backed the program during his State of the State address. Sadly, New Yorkers continue to die in nursing homes.
Frequency
Although long-term care Ombudsmen are known to visit facilities regularly, there isn't a standard for their frequency. Nationally, 85 complaints are per 1,000 beds. However, the average is closer than 67. The range is 14 to 743 complaints per thousand beds in the District of Columbia. The study also examined the relationship between commuting distance and complaint frequency. The lower visitation is consistent across all states, except New York.
Volunteers are specially trained to advocate for residents in state-level ombudsman programmes. They spend between two and three hours each week. These volunteer Ombudsmen report to New York State Ombudsman and are responsible of helping residents in the areas they serve. They act as a liaison between residents of facilities and residents.
Phone access
Long-term care residents used to only be able to contact the Ombudsman via phone. This has changed. You can arrange in-person visits, but they may be delayed or reduced in severity in the case if there is an outbreak. In the meantime, you can always call or email the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for assistance. Be aware that you might need to wait for a response up to three working days.
The state long-term care ombudsman serves as an advocate and resource for the residents of LTC facilities. This office assists residents in understanding their rights and how they can best be obtained. The State Office for the Aging houses the office in New York. NYSOFA reports that there are over 1,500 people who live in LTC facilities. The ombudsman provides assistance in a number of ways to these people.