Ombudservice

OmbudserviceOur Ombudservice program is staffed by volunteers who wish to act as advocates for seniors living in nursing, adult and assisted living homes. Download brochure.

What is an Ombudsperson?
"Ombudsperson" is a Swedish name for a person who acts as a CITIZEN REPRESENTATIVE. An Ombudsperson is a State certified volunteer with legal access to nursing homes, adult homes, and assisted living facilities in Nassau County. Our Ombudspersons serve as advocates for seniors as well as their families.

What is the purpose of the Long Term Care Ombudsprogram?

  • To protect residents' rights
  • To resolve concerns about care for the residents and their families; many residents have neither friends nor family to advocate for them
  • To cooperate with facility management and regulatory agencies to improve the lives of residents
  • To help educate the community about the services
  • To alert persons to health care fraud and abuse

Roles of the Ombudsperson:

  • Broker
  • Communicator
  • Consultant
  • Educator
  • Facilitator
  • Listener
  • Mediator
  • Observer
  • Planner
  • Problem Solver
  • Trouble Shooter

Is there training?

YES! Training is ongoing. Before placement, each Ombudsperson receives 36 hours of training, which leads to certification from the New York State Office for the Aging. After placement in a facility, a supervisor is available to help with problems. Ongoing training is provided through seminars and conferences.

Who qualifies?  Anyone who is:

  •  Motivated to improve the quality of life for institutionalized persons
  • Physically and emotionally capable of meeting the demands of an advocate's role
  • Willing to commit a minimum of five hours per week for two years to this program

The Ombudservice Program is part of a statewide network. The program is conducted by Family and Children's Association with funds from the Nassau County Office for the Aging (NCOFA) through the New York State Office for the Aging.



 

 

Margaret Hromada
100 E. Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 466.9718 x2
Email: mhromada@familyandchildrens.org

 
 

Want to help our most vulnerable neighbors? 

Become an Ombudsperson and join a group of people committed to helping their aging neighbors.  Contact Margaret Hromada at mhromada@familyandchildrens.org to find out about the next training class.