Safe Seniors
Long-term Care Ombudsman
Residents, their relatives, and friends are encouraged to call on the Ombudsman for any
question or situation regarding care:
- The quality of care in a facility
- Resident rights
- Physical abuse or neglect
- Diet and nutrition
- Financial issues including billing, financial exploitation, and benefits compensation
- The use of physical or chemical restraints
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Transfers and discharges
The Ombudsman is also called in to:
- Witness the signing of advance directives for healthcare
- Support resident and family councils
Resident's Rights
Federal and state laws protect the rights of those in residential care and skilled nursing facilities. Residents have the right to be treated with dignity, to be unrestrained, to communicate with anyone they choose, to manage their own affairs (if able), to confidentiality of records, and to apply for government assistance. By law, residents must be fully informed of rights, services, and fees charged PRIOR to admission.
