Long Term Care Ombudsman

The Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman program advocates for residents of nursing homes, personal care homes and family care homes. Since 1978, Kentucky ombudsmen have served residents of long-term care facilities in all 120 counties. Ombudsmen work to resolve problems of individual residents and bring about improvements in care through changes at the local, state and national levels.

Services of the state Long-Term Care Ombudsman program are coordinated through the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman which is housed at the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency. The Kentucky Office of the State Ombudsman program oversees 15 district programs affiliated with Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living.

While most residents receive good care in long-term care facilities, far too many are neglected and suffer psychological, physical and other types of abuse. Kentucky has more than 100 trained volunteer ombudsmen who regularly visit long-term care facilities, monitor conditions and care and provide a voice for those unable to speak for themselves.  Legal Aid of Bluegrass provides the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Services.

Ombudsman Responsibilities:

• Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents
• Provide information to residents about long-term care services and their rights
• Represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal, and other remedies to protect residents
• Analyze, comment on, and recommend changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the health, safety , welfare, and rights of residents
• Educate/ inform consumers and the general public regarding issues/concerns related to institutional long-term care and facilitate public comment on laws, regulations, policies, and  actions
• Promote the development of citizen organizations and volunteers to participate in the program
• Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well- being and rights of residents
• Advocate for changes to improve residents quality of life and care

Eligibility:

Services are available to any resident of a long-term care facility, their family or friends, or a concerned member of the community. Anyone with questions or who would like to report a concern regarding a long-term care facility can contact their local ombudsman.

Cost:

The program receives federal, state and local funding and does not charge for services.

Local Contact:

District Long Term Care Ombudsman