Oregon’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Long-Term Ombudsman Program advocates for quality of life and care for residents in nursing homes, residential care, assisted living facilities, and adult foster care homes. Federal and state authority mandates ombudsmen to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents and to provide services to help in protecting health, safety, welfare and rights. Information and assistance in choosing the most appropriate living residence is also a valuable service provided.

Across Oregon, certified ombudsmen serve residents, their families and friends. Professional staff supervise the volunteers. All Ombudsman services are free and confidential. A 24-hour line is available at 1-800-522-2602 and more information is available at www.oregon.gov/lltco.

Resident Rights
Many people believe that once a person enters a long term care facility, they lose their rights or their rights are altered in some manner — this is not true. Residents have rights and those rights need to be protected.

Ombudsman Program staff and volunteers communicate with each resident and the program affirms the dignity and value of each resident. Communication is essential to maintaining the rights of all people and is absolutely critical to the more than 42,000 Oregonians in long-term care facilities.

Being an Ombudsman is a rewarding experience!
Certified volunteer ombudsmen: advocate for quality care for residents in Oregon nursing homes, residential and assisted living facilities and adult foster homes; provide information to residents and families about residents’ rights and help identify additional resources in or out of the facility; receive special training prior to certification and additional continuing education; identify, investigate, and resolve complaints by or on behalf of nursing home and long-term care residents; and work with the residents, families, friends, and facility staff to improve the quality of residents’ lives.

Certified Ombudsman volunteers must be over 21, pass a background check, attend training, and commit to one year of service and 16 hours a month. Volunteers enjoy a flexible schedule, opportunities to work with a partner or spouse, and the ability to make a direct and meaningful impact in their community.

Article provided by
Gretchen Jordan,
Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator
503-378-6340