COLUMBUS – During National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, the Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman celebrate “Empathy in Action” and recognize the priceless contributions of ombudsman volunteers.

They invite all Ohioans to contribute their time and empathy toward helping residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes. Visit www.stepup.ohio.gov to learn more and volunteer.

“Volunteering truly is empathy in action,” said Ursel J. McElroy, director of the department. “Ombudsman volunteers take that to a higher level by serving as the eyes, ears and voices for long-term care consumers. They are needed now more than ever.”

“Ombudsmen are resident-directed advocates who improve the quality of life and care for long-term care consumers,” added Erin Pettegrew, deputy state long-term care ombudsman. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ombudsman volunteers have been visiting residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, educating them about their rights and addressing their care concerns.”

Ombudsman volunteers work with nursing home and assisted living residents, family members and facility staff and leadership to help resolve care issues. While COVID-19 has made it more important that consumers have an advocate there for them when they need it, the pandemic has also diminished Ohio’s team of ombudsman volunteers.

Ohio’s 100,000 nursing home and assisted living residents need empathetic advocates looking out for their interests. Ombudsman volunteers regularly visit facilities and speak with residents about their care. Volunteers are linked to their regional ombudsman program and provide services at facilities in their own communities. They receive comprehensive training and support from paid ombudsman staff.

For more information about the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, including how they can help you or a loved one, visit www.ombudsman.ohio.gov or call 1-800-282-1206.

Follow the Ombudsman’s office on Facebook during National Volunteer Week for stories of ombudsman volunteers in action.