Federal law mandates that states implement an ombudsman program. Here in Washington state we have a particularly good one. There are 40 regional LTC ombudsman programs under a state ombudsman. Some more populated counties constitute their own regional programs, while some less populated counties may be combined under one region. A small staff trains and supports volunteers, while volunteers do the day-to-day hands-on work with residents where they live.

Being a person who believes in lifelong education and in preparing for my future, I was attracted to the possibility of both learning about LTC and making an impact on the quality of life of those who live in LTC facilities. Some residents have no one to listen to their needs. Less assertive individuals are adverse to making their needs known to facility staff and administrators. It was in 1999 that I, along with 15 other volunteers, received 34 hours of training on what we needed to know to be effective volunteers. The training itself was an eye-opener on human relations, the laws protecting residents, what state inspectors look for, and what the inside of LTC facilities look like.

After certification, we were invited to choose one of the three types of facilities in our community for assignment. We were introduced to the facility administrator by the regional ombudsman, and were expected to spend four hours per week visiting the residents there. At monthly meetings of volunteers with the regional ombudsman, we shared our experiences and learned from more experienced volunteers. Of course, the regional ombudsman is available to advise on all difficult problems and even to accompany us on visits where needed.

Let me give you an example of how I think I was of help. For my first assignment, I chose a nursing home in my city. There were about 160 residents. I noticed that one person always covered her mouth when she spoke and ate all of her meals in her room. The problem was that her teeth were stored in the bedside drawer because they no longer fit her. From embarrassment she was not socializing at all. Also, she had been eating only minced and pureed food for five months! Ombudsmen try first to empower residents to advocate for themselves. Her only relative was a daughter who was suffering from cancer. The mother could not bring herself to lay another burden on her daughter. Therefore, she was resigned to wait until the facility got a dentist for her. With her permission, I contacted the administrator, who agreed to order a dentist. On one of my next visits I was pleased to see her sitting at a table in the dining room, actively conversing with other residents and enjoying regular food again. Henceforth, she thanked me whenever we met. It was a small thing for me but a big improvement in the quality of life for one person.

What I learned as an ombudsman volunteer was put to good use when suddenly my mother could no longer live independently and had to move into an assisted living facility. I have been able to advocate for her rights because I know what those rights are, and because I have had experience in interaction with facility staff. This has been a comfort to my mother in her last years and to me.  Eventually, if I become a LTC resident, I will know how to get my needs met in an efficient, confident and non-threatening manner.

If you want to know your future or that of a loved one, consider becoming a LTC ombudsman volunteer.  Do yourself a favor. Inquire about the next training session in your area by calling 1-800-562-6028.  Or, log onto www.ltcop.org for more information. You'll be glad you did.