Contact Us:
175 Fulton Avenue, Suite 209
Hempstead, NY 11550
516.466.9718 x2273
fax 516.538.2548

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. Ombudspersons serve as advocates for residents and 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 Department of Senior Citizen Affairs through the New York State Office for the Aging

"We are Family and Children's Association, the human service network of Long Island.
We protect and strengthen children, youth, adults, families, seniors and communities."

Advocacy for seniors, Assisted Living, Frail elderly, Institutionalized elderly

Nursing home and/or adult home needs, Senior citizens