Seeks Volunteer Ombudsman

Posted: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 5:32 pm | Updated: 4:30 pm, Fri Dec 14, 2012.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is recruiting volunteers. This United Way agency is part of a nationwide program which began in 1971 in response to public outcry over abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities. Today over 500 Ombudsman Programs operate across the United States.

Every week, ombudsmen drive to a nursing home just a few blocks from their own homes to spend two to three hours with residents. To many of them, they are just like family. Some of the residents may not even know that their official title is “ombudsman,” but what is important is that they know how much they care about them and that they are there to help.

Volunteer ombudsmen ensure that the residents enjoy the best quality of life possible. They talk to them about their legal rights, listen to their concerns and go room to room to meet with 20-25 residents each week.

They encourage them to speak up for themselves and when necessary, meet with the facility coordinator to encourage a solution. Their job is to ensure that the residents enjoy the best quality of life possible and know that they are cared for.

Contact Susan Press at 314-918-8222 or email her at spress@ltcop-stl.org.