The mission of Oregon’s Long-Term Ombudsman program is to protect individual rights, enhance quality of life, improve care, and promote dignity for residents living in licensed long-term care facilities such as assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Many residents have no one to watch out for them, or speak up when things go wrong; call lights go unanswered, meals arrive cold, or medications are given incorrectly. Ombudsman don’t make decisions for the resident, or act as their legal representative, or provide care. It is our role to inform the resident of their rights, and then act upon their decision.
The need for Ombudsmen volunteers is great throughout the state, and especially in Bend and Deschutes County. We are also looking for someone to help recruit more volunteers throughout Central Oregon.
A six-day virtual training to become a volunteer Certified Ombudsman happens several times a year. Ombudsman are advocates for your family, friends, and neighbors living in Nursing Homes, Memory Care, Assisted Living and Adult Foster Homes. Become someone who can help advocate for many who cannot speak for themselves. Call the office at 971.600.6149 for more information or to apply.
To attend the training, an application must be submitted, an interview conducted, and a criminal background check completed.
To fill out an online application:
https://www.oltco.org/volunteer/ltco.html
