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Long Term Care Ombudsman |
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Long Term Care Ombudsman |
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Mission Statement The Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services advocates for quality of life and quality of care for residents in long-term care facilities. Residents and their families are served by developing and using the talents and efforts of specially trained volunteers, professionals, advocacy and membership organizations interested in long-term care and elder rights issues and regulatory agencies.
The Rio Grande Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman and volunteers also serve Texans with disabilities and those who are not yet 60 years of age, who live in long-term care facilities, if by serving them benefit accrues to residents 60 years or older.
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Persons who are unable to care for themselves are entitled to dependable and consistent care that includes;
 | A safe and healthy environment; |
| Satisfaction of nutritional needs; |
| Medical services, including physical, mental, and psychosocial rehabilitation; |
| An environment that promotes and maintains the individuals’ dignity, self-determination, communication, and protection of individual rights. |
Often, the ombudsman can resolve the problem without involving other groups or agencies. Sometimes the residents council or family council is involved in the resolution.
When the ombudsman can’t help resolve the problem, or when it involves abuse or neglect, the complaint is referred to another appropriate agency. In all situations, the complaint is handled confidentially and information is not released without permission of the resident or legal guardian.
The ombudsman is also a good source of information about selecting a long-term care facility, eligibility criteria and other services for the elderly. The admission packet has a listing of residents’ rights. Additional information about residents’ rights is available through the regional ombudsman program.
An ombudsman is a specially trained and certified volunteer or professional who advocates for quality of life and quality of care in Texas nursing facilities.
Volunteers are supervised by professional staff ombudsmen who are part of the regional aging services network supported by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. This regional program serves Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties.
Investigate and resolve complaints by or on behalf of nursing facility residents;
| Work with residents, families, friends and facility staff to resolve complaints and difficulties; and |
| Provide information to residents, families, friends and facility staff about rights and procedures and helps identify additional resources in or out of the facility. |
When residents and family are unable to resolve problems with facility staff, contact Managing Local Ombudsman Davie L. Johnson at the numbers given in the contact information. For concerns in the rural setting, please contact Nancy Redford at telephone or Fax: (432) 729-4312.
The ombudsman volunteer or regional staff ombudsman will assess the concerns and recommend possible courses of action.
| insurance that covers the volunteer traveling to and from the nursing home visit / training, |
| insurance coverage also includes accidents, personal liability and excess liability above the state legal minimum |
| recognition at City Council and County Commissioners Court, annual receptions, certificates, volunteer conferences, news media and documentation of hours of services. |
| supervision by Managing Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Staff Ombudsman |
| photo identification badges |
| mileage reimbursement |
| twelve (12) hours continuing education training annually |
| mentoring by experienced volunteer |
| invitations to particular Area Agency on Aging events |
| refreshments at continuing education training |
INTERESTED in the OMBUDSMAN Program?
For further questions or information call the following individuals at (915) 533-0998 or
1-800-333-7082
Managing Local Ombudsman: Anna Dominguez
Rural Ombudsman: Corina Lara (432) 729-4312