Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services

The purpose of the Ombudsman Program is to promote the interests, well-being, and rights of the residents of long-term care facilities (such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities).

How can an ombudsman help?

Ombudsmen personally visit the residents in their facilities to look into their concerns and provide support and assistance in resolving them. They can provide residents, family members, friends, and caregivers with information regarding admission, resident care, rights, relocation, abuse, and many other long-term care issues.

As many as 50% of individuals living in long-term care facilities have no one to act on their behalf when issues arise regarding their treatment and care. Many residents of such facilities have little contact with the outside world, and many feel that they lack control over their own lives. It is especially important for seniors lacking a family support system to have access to someone who can assist them. Ombudsmen can act as a voice for these individuals.

An ombudsman can:

• Inform you of your rights. (For a complete list of Nursing Home Residents' Rights, click HERE.)
• Communicate regularly with residents and listen to their concerns.
• Act on behalf of residents to help resolve problems.
• Work with residents, family members, and facility staff to help resolve concerns to your satisfaction.
• Speak to resident and family councils, facility staff, and community groups about residents' rights.

Examples of common issues in nursing homes include: discharges and evictions, medication administration, and matters of personal hygiene. Common issues in assisted living facilities include: menu quality, quantity, and variation; medication administration; and general housekeeping or cleanliness.

All ombudsman services are provided at no charge, and all complaints are confidential.

Interested in volunteering?

The Ombudsman Program includes professional staff as well as specially trained volunteer ombudsmen. For more information about becoming an ombudsman volunteer, contact the Kings County Commission on Aging at the number listed below.

For ombudsman services in both Tulare and Kings Counties, contact the Kings County Commission on Aging at (559) 852-2828, or 1 (800) 293-9714. You may also e-mail your questions about the Ombudsman Program to ktaaa@tularehhsa.org.

The CA State CRISISline is available to take calls and refer complaints 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact the State CRISISline number, call: 1-800-231-4024.