What Is the Ombudsman?

The Idaho Long-Term Care Ombudsman program has existed in Idaho since 1972 and today can be found in every state, Puerto Rico and Guam. We protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of long-term care residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities as directed by the federal Older Americans Act. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen advocacy services include:

Prevention

  • Provide information to residents
  • Promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program
  • Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils
  • Recommend changes in laws, regulations, and policies pertinent to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents

Intervention

  • Provide residents with regular and timely access to Long-Term Care Ombudsman services
  • Assist residents in asserting their rights and expressing their grievance on issues pertaining to their health, safety, welfare and rights within the long-term care facility
  • Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents
  • Seek administrative, legal, and other remedies to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents
  • Analyze, comment on, and monitor the development and implementation of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and other governmental policies and actions, on behalf of residents
  • Facilitate public comment on laws, regulations, policies, and actions pertinent to residents
  • Prepare an annual report describing the problems of residents and containing recommendations for improving their quality of care and quality of life. This report is submitted to the Assistant Secretary of AoA, the Governor, State Legislators, and others. It is also to be made available to the public.
  • Return to the Ombudsman page