Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
Mike Hann, Executive Director

• About Long-Term Care Ombudsman

• Information for Residents

• Information for Friends and Relatives

• Responsibilities of an Ombudsman

• Volunteer Program

• Do you have what it takes?

• Local Ombudsman

• Contact Information
  


The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman  Program

• Provides assistance to elderly residing in:

• Nursing Homes

•  Homes for the Aged

• Assisted Care Living Facilities

• Qualified Mental Health Group Homes  

• The Ombudsman is available to help residents and their families resolve questions or problems.

• The Ombudsman will advocate for solutions to problems for qualified residents of long-term care facilities.

• When  residents and families can not resolve their problems through consultation with the facility staff or governmental agencies involved, they should contact their District Ombudsman.

• The Ombudsman works with many agencies and may be able to help resolve questions or concerns that involve state and federal agencies administering services to the elderly.  Concerns can include:

  • Quality of care

  • Financial information

  • Resident rights

  • Admissions

  • Transfer

  • Discharge

  • Any other questions regarding nursing homes,  homes for the aged, assisted care living facilities, Medicaid, and Medicare.

For Residents

• The Ombudsman takes time to listen to the concerns of the resident.

• Residents can share concerns about your situation or other problems that bother you.

• The Ombudsman will keep these matters confidential.

• The Ombudsman will assist  in trying to resolve concerns and problems.

• The Ombudsman can also show you what your rights and responsibilities are as a resident.

For Relatives and Friends

• As a friend or relative, you may have concerns about the resident's care or charges for that care.  You may have questions about obtaining services from resources outside the facility.
  

• Ombudsmen can:

• Provide information regarding the admission process to nursing homes, assisted care living facilities and homes for the aged.

• Help clarify nursing home, assisted care living facility, or  home for the aged regulations that apply to your situation.

• Make helpful referrals to other agencies.

• Help find solutions to small problems before they get too big.

• Promote healthy and realistic attitudes of residents and families toward nursing homes.

• Respect requests for anonymity.

• Act as a resource for staff training needs.

Volunteer Ombudsmen
Trained volunteer representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program visit residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and establish a regular presence in the facility. They provide information about resident rights, quality of care, and quality of life to residents and family members.  Volunteers also observe conditions, advocate for residents, and handle uncomplicated complaints.

Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and are rewarded by knowing that their presence can make a difference in the lives and care of long-term care residents.

Could You Be an Ombudsman Volunteer?

• If you feel a concern for our frail elderly in long-term care facilities.

• If you feel you are an assertive, mature person with some experience with elderly persons.

• If you are willing to complete a volunteer training certification program.

• If you want a responsible, challenging experience.

For additional questions regarding the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, call or write:

Jerrry Blasingame
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
500 Deaderick Street Suite 825
Nashville, Tenn.  37243-0860
Tel: 615-741-2056 ext. 117;     Fax:   615-741-3309 
Toll Free:  877-236-0013       TDD:  615-532-3893
E-mail  jerry.blasingame@state.tn.us

or  contact your
DISTRICT OMBUDSMAN FOR MORE INFORMATION
 


RELATED LINKS

Ombudsman Program Poster