We have a unique opportunity at the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) for those who are interested in serving as a volunteer advocate for nursing home residents.  This opportunity is made available through our Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which is committed to protecting the rights of long-term care consumers.  The ombudsman program provides this support for nursing home residents by helping them resolve problems and advocating for their rights, with the overall goal of enhancing the quality of life and care for all long-term care consumers in nursing homes or other home and community-based settings.

Volunteer ombudsmen are an invaluable part of the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and provide an essential voice for consumers of long-term care services through regular visits to their assigned nursing home.  Volunteer ombudsmen provide residents with direct access to ombudsman services; educate residents, families, friends and service providers about resident rights; advocate for person-centered care provided with dignity and respect; and help to resolve complaints as needed.

Because volunteer ombudsmen provide such an important support, they receive special training and on-going, professional support from our Agency.  In addition, volunteer ombudsmen have the opportunity to plan their own schedules, are permitted to visit any day of the week and are recognized during an annual event.

If you are a retired professional, or other capable and well-motivated individual, and are interested in the well-being and protection of residents receiving long-term care services, we welcome your interest in learning more about becoming a volunteer ombudsman with the Area Agency on Aging District 7.  Please call us at 1-800-582-7277 or e-mail to info@aaa7.org to learn more about this unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.

The Area Agency on Aging District 7 serves 10 counties in southern Ohio, providing home and community-based long-term care options for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

If you have questions about long-term care options or would like to learn more about the long-term care resources in your area for you or someone you know, simply give us a call.  A trained nurse or social worker is ready to assist you on the phone Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., by calling us toll-free at 1-800-582-7277. We can answer any questions you may have and also provide an in-home assessment at no cost to discuss your available options in more detail.

 

Pamela K. Matura is the executive director of Area Agency on Aging District 7.