A Voice for Residents
Program staff and certified volunteers work in nursing homes, adult family homes, and boarding homes. Certified ombudsmen are a listening ear and a voice for residents of long-term care settings.
Ombudsmen educate residents, staff, families and the community about long-term care issues, resources, resident rights and quality of life in long-term care settings.
Functions
- Working with staff and residents for quality care and quality of life for the residents
- Pointing out successes as well as areas that need additional work and resources
- Speak for those residents who are unable to speak for themselves
- Advocate for resident choices
- Negotiate solutions to problems
- Speak for the residents’ choice
- Work with facilities to develop policies and address areas of potential conflict
Training
A certified ombudsman is assigned to visit with residents in long term care facilities. Each volunteer receives extensive training before being assigned. Frequent in-service training is scheduled during regularly held monthly meetings. In addition, the ombudsman is informed as to other training available in the area and is encouraged to attend.
Contact
Pierce County Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Ph: (253) 798-3789 or (800) 642-5769
E-mail:
kgavron@co.pierce.wa.us