Long-Term Care Ombuds Program (LTCOP)

What Does a Long-Term Care Ombuds Do?

• Resolves complaints made by, or for, residents of long-term care facilities.
• Educates consumers and long-term care providers about residents’ rights and good care practices.
• Promotes community involvement through volunteer opportunities.
• Provides information to the public on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and services, residents’ rights, and legislative and policy issues.
• Advocates for residents of nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living centers protecting and promoting Resident Rights guaranteed residents under federal and state laws and regulations.
• Promotes the development of citizen organizations, family councils, and resident councils.

What Concerns Does an Ombuds Address?

• Violation of residents’ rights or dignity.
• Physical, verbal or mental abuse, deprivation of services necessary to maintain residents’ physical and mental health or unreasonable confinement.
• Poor quality of care, including inadequate personal hygiene and slow response to requests for assistance.
• Improper transfer or discharge of patient.
• Inappropriate use of chemical or physical restraints.
• Any resident concern about the quality of care or quality of life.

Who Can Use an Ombuds Services?

• Residents of any nursing home or “board and care facility,” including assisted living facilities.
• A family member or friend of a nursing home resident.
• A nursing home administrator or employee with a concern about a resident at their facility.
• Any individual or citizen’s group interested in the welfare of residents.
• Individuals and families who are considering long-term placement.

For information on the program, including how to volunteer in your area, please contact:

Coastal LTC Ombudsman-Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties

360-538-8877
360-986-0657

Olympic LTC Ombudsman- Clallam & Jefferson Counties

Edward Guzman
360-207-5493
360-461-7180