mother not being treated right who do you callApparently, the federal government is going to do even less than they already do when it comes to making sure nursing homes follow the laws and regulations that protect patients.  So, who do you call?

Virginia’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program might be able to help.  Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTC) advocate for older persons receiving long-term care, whether the care is provided in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or through community-based services assisting persons still living at home.  The LTC Ombudsman Program is there to make sure resident’s rights are honored.

A LTC Ombudsman can help residents find a resolution to a wide range of issues:

•           Involuntary transfer/discharges

•           Quality of care concerns

•           Education about Virginia’s LTC services Involving other agencies, such as Adult Protective Services, when appropriate

•           Enforcing patient/resident rights for those receiving care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and recipients of home care, hospice, or adult day care services

You can call 1-800-552-3402 to find your local program or look for it here.

Unfortunately, this vital program is under-funded by approximately $2.1 million dollars.

Increased funding would allow the program to hire additional ombudsman, increasing the ability of the program to address the ever-increasing population requiring long-term care services. Any additional funding in the state budget for this program will help increase access to this very important resource.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman play a critical role in assisting many long-term care recipients who otherwise may not be able to act as their own voice.  Let’s make sure the voices of our elderly and Long-Term Care Ombudsman are heard in the 2018 General Assembly Session.

Contact your elected official and let them know how important this program is!  Click the Fact Sheet image to print.

LTC Ombudsman Funding Fact Sheet