Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

Contact an Ombudsman to learn more about...

Mandated by the Federal Older Americans Act and the Illinois Act on Aging, the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is a resident-directed advocacy program which protects and improves the quality of life for residents in a variety of long term care settings. Ombudsmen work to resolve problems of individual residents and to bring about changes at the local, state and national levels to improve care. Most residents receive good care in long-term care facilities; however, far too many experience violations of their rights including abuse, neglect, poor care, isolation and lack of choices and meaningful activities. Trained community ombudsmen regularly visit long-term care facilities, monitor conditions and care, and provide a voice for those unable to speak for themselves. Long Term Care Ombudsmen make every reasonable effort to assist, empower, represent and intervene on behalf of the resident. Ombudsman work is directed by the resident.

• Providing information to residents about residents’ rights, long-term care options, supports and services in nursing facilities and in the community. • Investigating complaints and concerns. Ombudsmen will work to resolve complaints to the satisfaction of residents. • Listening , in order to understand an issue from the resident’s perspective. • Maintaining confidentiality. Ombudsmen may not discuss or disclose any information without the individual’s permission.

• resident-directed and/or person centered care;

• how to report a problem or concern that has occurred in a long-term care facility;

HELPFUL INFORMATION

• Home Care Ombudsman activity in the community;

• how a resident can participate in decisions related to their care;

• facility regulations;

• Home care services provided in the community;

The Ombudsman program services are available free of charge to...

• residents’ rights;

• Involuntary transfers or discharges.

• Person(s) 18 or older who is/ are either a current resident, a prospective resident, or a former resident of a long-term care facility;

This information was copied from the Illinois Department on Aging website: https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/ ProtectionAdvocacy/LTCOmbudsman/ Pages/default.aspx

• Friends and relatives of persons who live in long-term care facilities;

HOW THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM WORKS

• Long-term care facility staff members and administrators with resident-related concerns; • Individuals and families who are considering long-term care facility placement as a long-term care option;

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are assigned to designated regions throughout the state of Illinois and work closely with residents to protect and honor residents’ rights by...

• Advocating to improve the quality of care and quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities in Illinois.

• The community-at-large; and

• Other interested groups concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities.

• Empowering seniors and adults with disabilities to self-advocate.

“ It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. ” Confucius

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(855) 462 0100

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