Ombudsman Program for Nursing/Rest Homes
We are a volunteer program helping nursing home residents and rest home residents. We can help ensure the quality of life and care of residents with education of benefits, rights, and entitlements guaranteed under federal, state, and local laws.
WHAT IS A NURSING HOME / REST HOME OMBUDSMAN?
An Ombudsman is a person who visits nursing home and rest home residents to enhance the quality of their lives by hearing and resolving their complaints and advocating for their rights.
Whatever you want to discuss, the Ombudsman has the time and interest to listen and share.
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN I TALK TO THE OMBUDSMAN ABOUT?
- Loneliness and boredom
- Rights and responsibilities as a nursing home resident
- Quality of care
- Loss of personal items
- Conflicts with staff
- Financial matters
- Food likes and dislikes
- Facility policies
- Any other individual concerns
CAN I TALK TO THE OMBUDSMAN IN CONFIDENCE?
Yes. The Ombudsman will not repeat your conversation to anyone unless you give him or her permission to do so.
HOW WILL THE OMBUDSMAN HELP ME WITH A PROBLEM?
- The Ombudsman will listen and investigate complaints or problems.
- The Ombudsman is impartial.
- The Ombudsman will work to resolve your concerns with the help of the nursing home staff, or with the proper community or state agencies.
IS THE OMBUDSMAN AN EMPLOYEE OF THE NURSING HOME?
No. Your Ombudsman is a volunteer and is trained and certified by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
WHEN WILL THE OMBUDSMAN VISIT ME?
The Ombudsman can visit your facility on a regular basis. If you need assistance in reaching the Ombudsman the facility staff will help you.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
Being an Ombudsman is a very rewarding experience. We need people who are sincere, tactful and able to analyze situations calmly. Anyone interested in becoming an Ombudsman should contact the Program Director at 508-999-6400.
Families and friends of residents are welcome to contact the program about their concerns.
AS A CITIZEN AND AS A RESIDENT OF A LONG TERM CARE FACILITY, YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO:
- Be treated with dignity, respect, kindness, and consideration.
- Make choices and independent personal decisions.
- Privacy during medical examinations, treatment, and while caring for your personal needs.
- Associate or communicate privately with anyone you wish at reasonable hours.
- Participate in the planning of your medical treatment.
- Complain on behalf of yourself and others on conditions in the home.
- Manage your own financial affairs unless you have given written permission to the home or to someone else to do it for you.
- Be protected against transfer unless for specific reasons.
- Know personal possessions are safe and secure. (Check with your Ombudsman for details.)
The Ombudsman Program is a mandated service through the Federal Older Americans Act and funded by Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. The Program began in Massachusetts in 1973 and is currently a project within the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
