What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, as mandated by the Federal Older Americans Act, is intended to improve the quality of life for people who live in licensed long-term care facilities.
Residents in these facilities are guaranteed certain rights by federal and state laws and regulations.
The purpose of the program is to protect and promote these rights and assist in empowering residents to become self-advocates.
Your Ombudsman will:
Advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities
Provide assistance in the resolution of concerns about the quality of life in long-term care facilities
Work with residents, families, operators and staff of facilities to meet the needs and concerns of those who live there
Monitor laws, regulations and policies which affect those who live in long-term care facilities
Provide public education to promote a better understanding about the use of long-term care facilities
Why Do Residents and Their Families Need An Ombudsman?
Many frail and vulnerable residents cannot speak up for their needs and wants.
Some residents are alone and have no close relatives or regular visitors.
Long-distance families appreciate knowing someone is looking out for their loved ones.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
A facility should care for its residents in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident's quality of life. A resident should have a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment. Among those residents’ rights in a long-term care facility are:
To be informed of your rights, the rules and policies of the facility, and to be told of all services available and their cost, including those charges covered or not included in the basic rate.
To be informed of your health condition to participate in planning care and treatment or to refuse any treatment, and to have your personal and medical records treated confidentially.
To be transferred or discharged only after written notice is given and only for increased medical needs, safety or non-payment.
To be encouraged to exercise your rights as a resident and citizen, to complain and suggest without fear of coercion or retaliation.
To manage your financial affairs, or if this delegated, to receive regular accounting.
To be free of mental and physical abuse and of chemical and physical restraints.
To participate in social, religious and community activities, as possible.
To have your own clothing and possessions and be allowed to use them as space permits.
To have privacy for visits and telephone calls, and to send and receive personal mail unopened.
Who to Contact
Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Long Term Care Ombudsman at 360-425-3430 or 1-800-383-2101. Or you may call the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman directly at 1-800-562-6028
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