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Long Term Care Ombudsman

Seeking Volunteers

Missouri has a total of 1,189 long-term care facilities, which includes skilled nursing, assisted living and residential care. These facilities are full of vulnerable Missouri citizens who often need someone to advocate, educate, and empower them.

Missouri's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program does just that.

The program is a network of volunteers serving residents to provide support and assistance with any complaints or problems that they may be facing in the facility in which they reside. Ombudsmen seek to reduce the sense of isolation some residents feel, especially those who do not have close family or friends. Ombudsmen can help the resident rediscover a sense of self determination and empower them to exercise their rights.

As the senior population grows at an unprecedented rate, so does the population in long term care facilities. As a result, the need for volunteer ombudsmen is growing. Last year the

Ombudsman Program received 6,260 complaints. Considering Missouri only has 202 volunteer ombudsmen, that's just not enough man power to fully address all of the resident's needs.

To be an ombudsman volunteer it's important to like working with older people, adults with disabilities or those who have mental health needs. Having good communication skills, listening and the ability to be objective is crucial. Being a volunteer ombudsman is also a time commitment, yet it provides a sense of community.

If you have a desire to give back to your community and are interested in becoming a volunteer ombudsman, you may reach out to Regional Ombudsman Robin Williams or Dawn Stephens at 660240-9400. For additional information, please refer to www.health.mo.gov/seniors/ombudsman.

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