CLEVELAND — The Ohio Department of Aging is looking for volunteers for its ombudsman program to serve as the voices for residents in long-term care by visiting nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Volunteer ombudsman representatives observe conditions in facilities, talk to residents and family members about issues with care and services and help them understand their rights as consumers.
Visitors help reduce residents’ feelings of isolation,” said Beverley Laubert, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, in a new release. “Our volunteers give residents a voice and honor their lives and experiences. They also help ensure facility staff do the same.”
Volunteers work with staff to resolve simple problems while working with ombudsman staff as they investigate more complicated consumer complaints.
The state makes sure all volunteers have extensive training, including problem-solving, interviewing, the rules and laws of long-term care and how to work with providers to honor residents' choice.
Those who are interested can apply here.
