LTC Ombudsman Seeking Volunteers to Assist Nursing Home Residents

AARP Connecticut is working with the Department on Aging Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to help recruit and train Volunteer Resident Advocates who help residents of skilled nursing facilities, residential care homes and assisted living facilities solve problems and voice their concerns.

The Volunteer Resident Advocate, along with the Regional Ombudsman, helps provide a voice to residents’ concerns and empowers residents to have a voice in ensuring their rights. This is accomplished through individual consultation and complaint resolution and also through work with other state agencies and advocacy organizations.

Volunteer Advocates may speak to the dietitian about a resident’s desire for a change in diet, let the nurse know a resident needs more timely assistance, or discuss with the administrator a resident’s idea for weekend activities. Volunteer Advocates and Ombudsman support quality of life for residents by listening to and working for resident’s needs and interests and helping residents and families work with nursing home staff for changes to improve nursing home life. They help residents, their families and staffs communicate better with each other.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, becoming a Volunteer Resident Advocate may be right for you!  Orientation sessions are being held in Connecticut this June at the following locations: 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013
9am – 12pm
Manchester Senior Center
549 East Middle Turnpike
Manchester, CT  06040

Monday, June 24, 2013
9am – 12pm
New Fairfield Senior Center
33 Connecticut Route 37
New Fairfield, CT 06812

Tuesday, June 25, 2013
9am – 12pm
Meriden Senior Center
22 West Main St.
Meriden, CT 06451

To learn more or to RSVP for one of the upcoming orientation sessions, please call the LTC Ombudsman Office toll-free at 1-866-388-1888.