Every day, in long-term care facilities nationwide, residents rely on a vital and independent voice—the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Established under the federal Older Americans Act, this program ensures that every resident, regardless of how they pay for care or their background, has an advocate dedicated to upholding their rights, dignity, and quality of life.
What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?
The Ombudsman Program protects the rights of individuals living in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other long-term care facilities. It is an independent program, separate from other state agencies, ensuring that residents receive unbiased, resident-centered advocacy. Ombudsmen work tirelessly to resolve concerns, educate residents and families, and influence positive change in long-term care policies and practices.
VOYCE provides the ombudsman program for 500 facilities with nearly 40,000 residents in 39 eastern Missouri counties. We make this happen with only six staff members and 25 dedicated volunteers.
The Everyday Work of Ombudsmen
Ombudsmen are the front-line defenders of resident rights, conducting facility visits, handling complaints, and addressing issues ranging from inadequate care and unsafe conditions to concerns about dignity, autonomy, and choice. Some of the ways ombudsmen make a difference include:
- Listening to Residents: The foundation of our work is person-centered care. We listen to residents, understand their concerns, and advocate for solutions, prioritizing their preferences, rights, and well-being.
- Ensuring Rights Are Respected: Federally protected rights cover every resident of long-term care communities. These include the right to dignity, privacy, and participation in their care decisions. Ombudsmen help residents understand and uphold these rights.
- Resolving Complaints: Whether it’s about staff treatment, food quality, medical care, or financial exploitation, ombudsmen investigate complaints with the resident’s permission and work to resolve them in the best interests of residents.
- Fostering Systemic Change: Beyond individual advocacy, ombudsmen identify patterns of issues and work with policymakers and facility leadership to improve the long-term care system for all.
Independence Matters
The ombudsman program operates independently of long-term care facilities and regulatory agencies. This separation is crucial to ensuring that residents receive unbiased advocacy, free from conflicts of interest. It also allows ombudsmen to challenge inadequate policies or practices without fear of state or institutional influence. Independence is key to protecting residents from retaliation and ensuring residents have a trusted ally in their corner.
Advocating for All Residents
No resident should be denied advocacy based on how they pay for care or any demographic difference. Unfortunately, it is often these very differences—race, disability, income level, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical health status, or primary language—that lead to disparities in treatment and require ombudsman intervention. The Ombudsman Program stands up for all residents, ensuring equitable access to quality care and addressing discrimination or neglect wherever it occurs.
Your Right to Advocacy
If you or a loved one is in a long-term care facility and has concerns, the Ombudsman Program is here to help. Our team listens, investigates, and works toward solutions that empower residents and uphold their rights. Every voice deserves to be heard. Every resident deserves to live with dignity and respect.
Act Now: Protect the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The federal government’s funding freeze and mixed messaging put essential advocacy services at risk. This program is critical to ensuring that older adults and people with disabilities receive the quality care and protection they deserve. We urge you to contact your Congressman and Senators to let them know how important this service is to you and your loved ones.
Find your representatives and take action today: www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is more than a resource. It’s a movement dedicated to justice, fairness, and improving the lives of those who call long-term care facilities home. If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact VOYCE today, and let’s start the conversation on advocacy and aging.