Until I read a recent article, I thought a person only turned to an ombudsman with a problem or complaint. That is typically the type of call an ombudsman responds to. But, just as important, is their role of educating the public and sharing information with families considering a nursing home/assisted living/in-home care for their loved one.
The Older Americans Act of 1965 provides a federal grant that funds these positions. There is a Long-term Care Ombudsman for each state.
How can they help you?
1. When you are seeking a nursing home for your parent, you can certainly go to the government website and look at nursing home inspections. But, your state long-term care ombudsman can give you much more information. They can provide an actual copy of the survey, explain any citations and also share complaints they’ve received on things such as quality of care and food.
2. Don’t rely just on the government’s five-star rating system (done quarterly), because nursing home performance can change quickly due to new ownership, new administrator, new director of nursing, etc. Your ombudsman can provide up-to-date information and provide options and suggestions. In addition to visiting the nursing homes, they’ll make other helpful suggestions, such as talking with current residents and their families.
3. If you are considering an assisted living option for your parent, your ombudsman can assist you with understanding the expenses. Some places offer an all-inclusive amount while others have a base rate and charge for additional care. They will help you think of the right questions to ask. What if your parent’s condition declines and the level of care changes? They will help you think beyond short-term.
4. One of the most under-utilized resources out there is benefits for assisted living through the VA for military veterans and their spouses. An ombudsman would point you in the right direction to VA services to guide you through the application process.
5. Your aging parent may want to stay at home but is need of in-home care. Your state may have something similar to what Tennessee put in place last year, a long-term care bill that includes a new option for the elderly. “The Tennessee Medicaid Waiver helps with in-home care for those who quality for level one Medicaid-paid nursing home care”. An ombudsman would know about special state legislation and know when to refer a family to other trusted resources, such as a private attorney to set up a trust fund for your loved one to to be eligible for Medicaid.
The lesson here? Don’t wait until you have a problem to turn to your state’s long-term care ombudsman. Contact them if you are contemplating any change in living option for your parent. The state ombudsman may be able to help you directly or put you in touch with a local ombudsman.
For more info, contact the Eldercare Location (800-677-1116 or www.eldercare.gov)
Source: “Carefully Research All Options for Care, Ombudsman Advises” http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009908230310
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Great info! I had heard of ombudsmen but had no idea what they actually did or how useful they could be. Thanks for letting us know about this terrific resource!