Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

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Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

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Overview
Educating, Empowering and Advocating for Long-Term Care Residents 

The Ombudsman Program is an effective advocate and resource for older adults and people with disabilities who live in nursing homes, assisted living, and other licensed adult care homes. Ombudsmen help residents understand and exercise their rights to good care in an environment that promotes and protects their dignity and quality of life.

Ombudsmen:

  • Advocate – Act on behalf of residents to assure rights are not violated, identifying, investigating and working towards resolution of resident complaints.
     
  • Mediate – Work collaboratively with residents, family members, and staff towards achieving mutually beneficial solutions to the issues they are experiencing in long term care facilities
     
  • Educate – Provide information and consultation to residents, families, facility staff, and community about issues in long term care and specific issues they are experiencing in facilities
     
  • Refer – When resolution through the Ombudsman program is not achievable, complaints are referred to the New York State Department of Health or other appropriate agencies.


Contact Claudette Royal, the New York State Ombudsman.

How Ombudsmen Help

'A Good Listening Ear'

"They have given a good listening ear" and "interacted with the residents on a very positive level," says Andrea of Plainview, New York about her experience working with Ombudsmen from the NYS Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). Watch and listen to her testimonial below. 

Learn More About the Ombudsman Program
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program: You Have a Voice

Under the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system. Each state has an Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Office), headed by a full-time State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Ombudsman) who directs the program statewide. Across the nation, staff and thousands of volunteers are designated by State Ombudsmen as representatives to directly serve residents.

Learn More
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Fact Sheet

This fact sheet reviews how the Ombudsman program advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities, and other similar adult care facilities. Ombudsman programs work to resolve problems individual residents face and effect change at the local, state, and national levels to improve quality of life and care.

Learn More

Visit Our Volunteer Spotlight Page

Working For You

The New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) hosted by Family Service League (FSL) recognizes volunteer ombudsmen in Suffolk County. These individuals dedicate their time and talents to help long-term care facility residents understand and exercise their rights to quality care. To learn more about volunteering for LTCOP, visit https://aging.ny.gov/ombudsman. 

COVID-19 and Nursing Homes
We've assembled these resources to address pandemic concerns, and to help you safely visit your loved ones in long-term care facilities. If you need assistance finding an ombudsman, call the Long Term Care Ombudsman program: 1 (855) 582-6769.
Support Services
For Residents and Families
Advocacy

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is a federal advocacy program dedicated to protecting people living in long-term care facilities. In New York State, the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman is an independent office administratively housed in the New York State Office for the Aging.

Service

The State Ombudsman supervises Regional Ombudsman Coordinators who serve all communities throughout the state. Regional Ombudsman programs are sponsored by non-profit organizations, independent living centers and area agencies on aging.

Dedication

The heart of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is its corps of specially trained and certified citizen-volunteer ombudsmen. Many volunteers are retired professionals from various fields. These dedicated Ombudsmen spend an average of two to four hours a week in each of their assigned facilities, advocating for the residents.

Contact Us
Become a Volunteer

We are looking for volunteers to serve as certified Ombudsmen to improve the quality of care and quality of life for New Yorkers who live in long-term care facilities. Find an Ombudsman near you to become a volunteer.

Volunteer
New York State Ombudsman Program

The New York State Ombudsman Program supervises the coordinators and is here to help with understanding the program and connecting you with help. Contact the office for help or concerns.

Contact
The 2021 LTCOP Annual Report
This report provides an overview of NYS LTCOP program operations, advocacy efforts, and the focus of the program for the upcoming year.
Annual Report Archives