Advocacy, Housing, Long Term Care Residents (Seniors/Elders) available at Aging and Independence Services, HHSA

notes: Volunteer - Long Term Care Ombudsman For more information phone 800-640-4661. The Long Term Care Ombudsman is one of the many opportunities the Health and Human Services Agency offers older adults to help out and volunteer in their communities. The Ombudsman program welcomes and trains new volunteers. For more information, call the Ombudsman office at the number above or at (858) 560-2507. Do These Descriptions Fit You? * Able to communicate well orally and in writing. * Resourceful in managing a variety of situations. * Able to work on a problem until it is solved. * Open-minded, nonjudgmental, fair. * Tactful and diplomatic. * Honest. * Good listener. * Able to determine the true nature of the problem behind a complaint. * Want to make a difference in the lives of seniors and the disabled. Can You Do This? * Attend a 36-hour initial training? * Attend 12 hours of training annually? * Commit up to 20 hours of volunteer time each month? Then You Would Make an Excellent Ombudsman!!! About Volunteering Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are volunteers who assist residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and adult day health care facilities. They provide an on-going presence in long-term care facilities, monitor care and conditions and provide a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves. You can make a difference as a Volunteer Ombudsman. Ombudsman Responsibilities Responsibilities as outlined in Title VII of the Older Americans Act: * Identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities; * Provide information to residents about long-term care services; * Educate and inform consumers and the general public regarding issues and concerns related to long-term care, including rights, issues of abuse, physical and chemical restraints, transfer and discharge concerns, as well as privacy and confidentiality; * Provide technical support for the development and maintenance of resident and family councils; * Witness advance directives Click the below mentioned link for an application to become a Long Term Care Ombudsman volunteer. Just print it out, fill it in and mail to the address listed on the top of the application. Thank you! http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/documents/ombudsmanvolunteerapplication.pdf -> About the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program For more information phone 800-640-4661. The Long Term Care Ombudsman program advocates for residents in Long Term Care Facilities, such as nursing homes, as well as investigates abuse in other licensed facilities. An Ombudsman listens to concerns, provides information and assistance when requested and will investigate and resolve complaints related to care or personal rights. Contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman at the number above or at (858) 560-2507. An Ombudsman Can Help with the Following: * Concerns about the quality of care provided to residents in long-term care facilities. * Resident rights issues. * Physical abuse and neglect. * Dietary concerns. * Financial issues (billing concerns, benefits, financial exploitation). * Concerns about physical or chemical restraints. * Transfer and discharge issues. * Privacy and confidentiality. * Witnessing of Advance Directives in Skilled Nursing Facilities. * Supporting resident and family councils. Rights are protected by federal and state laws. Resident's Rights: The following is a partial list of a resident's rights: * Be treated with respect, dignity. * Be free from chemical and physical restraint. * Manage your own finances. * Voice grievances without fear of retaliation. * Associate and communicate privately with any person of your choice. * Send and receive personal mail. * Have your personal and medical records kept confidential. * Apply for state and federal assistance without threats or discrimination. * Be fully informed prior to admission of your rights, services available and charges.

notes: -> Volunteer - Long Term Care Ombudsman For more information phone 800-640-4661. The Long Term Care Ombudsman is one of the many opportunities the Health and Human Services Agency offers older adults to help out and volunteer in their communities. The Ombudsman program welcomes and trains new volunteers. For more information, call the Ombudsman office at the number above or at (858) 560-2507. Do These Descriptions Fit You? * Able to communicate well orally and in writing. * Resourceful in managing a variety of situations. * Able to work on a problem until it is solved. * Open-minded, nonjudgmental, fair. * Tactful and diplomatic. * Honest. * Good listener. * Able to determine the true nature of the problem behind a complaint. * Want to make a difference in the lives of seniors and the disabled. Can You Do This? * Attend a 36-hour initial training? * Attend 12 hours of training annually? * Commit up to 20 hours of volunteer time each month? Then You Would Make an Excellent Ombudsman!!! About Volunteering Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are volunteers who assist residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and adult day health care facilities. They provide an on-going presence in long-term care facilities, monitor care and conditions and provide a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves. You can make a difference as a Volunteer Ombudsman. Ombudsman Responsibilities Responsibilities as outlined in Title VII of the Older Americans Act: * Identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities; * Provide information to residents about long-term care services; * Educate and inform consumers and the general public regarding issues and concerns related to long-term care, including rights, issues of abuse, physical and chemical restraints, transfer and discharge concerns, as well as privacy and confidentiality; * Provide technical support for the development and maintenance of resident and family councils; * Witness advance directives Click the below mentioned link for an application to become a Long Term Care Ombudsman volunteer. Just print it out, fill it in and mail to the address listed on the top of the application. Thank you! http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/documents/ombudsmanvolunteerapplication.pdf