Let Us Help You: In-Home Care Services: Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Ombudsman is a Swedish word that means "Citizen Representative."
An Ombudsman is an advocate who helps to resolve concerns expressed by, or on behalf of, residents of adult and nursing homes. The Ombudsman does not work for the nursing facility; they advocate for the resident. The Ombudsman visits regularly and the service is confidential and free of charge.

Some areas the Ombudsman may assist with include:  suspected neglect, abuse or mistreatment, attending resident and family council meetings, as well as the following:

How to Contact Your Ombudsman: An Ombudsman visits facilities on a regular basis. If you are a resident (or a family member of a resident) and need to discuss a concern you are having in a facility, please call the Ombudsman Coordinator at: The Dale Association, 433-3344, Extension #1. Your call will remain confidential.

HELP WANTED! We are recruiting for Ombudsman volunteers throughout Niagara County. The next training session is scheduled for April 29-May 2, 2013. To inquire, please call Nancy Smith at 433-3344 ext. 1.

The Ombudsman Program is federally mandated under Title III of the Older Americans Act. It is administered through the New York State Office for the Aging and sponsored in Niagara County by The Dale Association.

"As a long-term care Ombudsman volunteer, I try to visit residents several times a week. They have problems that come up and I'm the only one they can turn to for help" says Pat, who is aware of the residents in her facility who are often without visitors. Mostly, Pat serves as a new friend who truly cares and has the time to help. Read more...