Volunteer Ombudsman

Overview

By becoming a volunteer Ombudsman you can change the life of people who live in long-term care facilities.  Volunteers serve as advocates to ensure residents receive the quality of care and quality of life they deserve.

GECAC's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted-living facilities, adult day centers, and domiciliary care homes. Through regular visits by staff and trained volunteers, the program provides a visible presence to residents. This provides the assurance residents need to stay connected to their community and know they have an advocate who is there to support them.

Volunteer Qualifications

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old
• Have access to reliable transportation
• Possess genuine care and concern for older adults
• Complete required training
• Communicate effectively with residents and staff to provide accurate information
• Adhere to confidentiality and conflict of interest requirements of the program

What You Will Do

• Complete training programs both online and with Ombudsman mentor and State Ombudsman office
• Make monthly visits to assigned facilities
• Provide education about residents' rights and person-centered care
• Advocate for residents' rights, quality of care, and quality of life
• Provide information on nursing homes and personal care homes
• Address resident or family concerns about person-centered care
• Provide education about issues related to long-term care
• Receive continuing education

What GECAC Will Do

• Training sessions are provided
• Provide continuing education