Volunteer as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman

As a volunteer for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, you serve as a listening ear and voice for residents in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, adult family homes, and boarding homes. 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. 


Certified LTC Ombudsmen serve residents by:

  • Providing them with information about their rights and available resources
  • Obtaining factual information about their complaints, investigating and resolving these complaints and providing them with protection of their rights
  • Assuring they receive fair treatment from service providers
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Apply Online

Click here to apply online.

Applicants may also apply by printing this paper application and sending to:

Pierce County Long-Term Care Ombudsman
3602 Pacific Ave. Suite 200
Tacoma, WA 98418


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. 

Make A Complaint

If you or someone you know resides in a licensed long-term care facility and have a complaint or need advocacy, please complete the online complaint form and a certified long-term care ombudsman will contact you within two days. You can also reach us by phone at 253-798-3789 or by email at pcccadrombuds@piercecountywa.gov