Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
Jim Shulman, Executive Director

Ombudsman Long-Term Care Program

About Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Information for Residents
Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights
Information for Friends and Relatives
Responsibilities of an Ombudsman
Volunteer Program
Do you have what it takes?
Local Ombudsman
Contact Information
Informational Links

The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

This program provides assistance to elderly residing in nursing homes, homes for the aged, assisted care living facilities, and adult care homes. The Ombudsman is available to help residents and their families resolve questions or problems and will advocate for solutions to problems for qualified residents of long-term care facilities. When residents and families cannot resolve their problems through consultation with the facility staff or governmental agencies involved, they should contact their District Ombudsman. The Ombudsman works with many agencies and may be able to help resolve questions or concerns that involve state and federal agencies administering services to the elderly. Concerns can include quality of care, financial information, resident rights, admissions, transfer, and discharge. Also included are questions regarding nursing homes, homes for the aged, assisted care living facilities, Medicaid, and Medicare.

For Residents

The Ombudsman takes time to listen to the concerns of the resident. Residents can share concerns about their situations or other personal concerns. *The Ombudsman will keep these matters confidential. The Ombudsman will assist in trying to resolve concerns and problems and can also explain resident rights

and responsibilities.

Nursing home residents have the right to:

A safe and clean living environment
Privacy
Information
Exercise their civil rights
Participate in or refuse treatment
Voice grievances without retaliation
Manage personal finances
Adequate and appropriate medical and nursing care
Be free of physical and chemical restraints
Take part in community activities
Be treated with courtesy and respect
Private visits and unrestricted communications
Not to be transferred or discharged from the home
Be free from physical, verbal, mental, and emotional abuse

For Relatives and Friends

As a friend or relative, you may have concerns about a resident's care or the cost of care. Likewise, you may have questions about obtaining services from resources outside the facility.

Ombudsmen can:

Provide information regarding the admission process to nursing homes, assisted care living facilities and homes for the aged.
Help clarify nursing home, assisted care living facility, or home for the aged regulations that apply to your situation.
Make helpful referrals to other agencies.
Help find solutions to small problems before they get too big.
Promote healthy and realistic attitudes of residents and families toward nursing homes.
Respect requests for anonymity.
Act as a resource for staff training needs.

Volunteer Ombudsmen

Trained volunteer representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program visit residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and establish a regular presence in the facility. They provide information about resident rights, quality of care, and quality of life to residents

and family members. Volunteers also observe conditions, advocate for residents, and handle simple complaints.

Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and are rewarded by knowing that their presence can make a difference in the lives and care of long-term care residents.

Could You Be an Ombudsman Volunteer?

You could become a volunteer if you feel a concern for elderly residents of long-term care facilities; if

you feel you are an assertive, mature person with some experience with elderly persons; and if you

are willing to complete a volunteer training certification program and want a responsible, challenging experience.

For additional questions regarding the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, call or write:

Jerry Blasingame
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
500 Deaderick Street Suite 825
Nashville, Tenn. 37243-0860
Tel: 615-741-2056 ext. 117; Fax: 615-741-3309
Toll Free: 877-236-0013; TDD: 615-532-3893
E-mail Jerry.Blasingame@.tn.gov

You may also contact your your DISTRICT OMBUDSMAN for more information.