Golden Crescent Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
An ombudsman advocates for quality of life and care for people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Helping Residents
After moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility, a resident may need help to continue a life of dignity, respect, choice and as much independence as possible.
An ombudsman can help ensure that residents get the care they want and are treated with the dignity they deserve. Ombudsmen support and promote the health, safety and rights of residents.
To be an ombudsman, a person completes state-approved training and is certified by the State Long-term Care Ombudsman.
A long-term care ombudsman:
- Listens
- Offers Ideas and Options
- helps resolve concerns that affect residents
- supports resident and family councils
- respects resident choices and independence
- promotes resident-directed care
- protects resident rights
- informs government agencies and the public about the interests and needs of residents
- advocates for resident-focused laws and regulations
- helps residents when a facility plans to discharge them
Rights of Residents
A person living in a nursing home or assisted living facility has the same rights as any other resident of Texas and the United States under federal and state laws.
These include the right to:
• privacy
• confidentiality of records
• vote
• know about services and costs
• control personal finances
• participate in planning care and treatment
• refuse treatment
• be free from chemical and physical restraints
• be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation
• complain without fear of retaliation
• communicate freely with anyone
• rights related to admission, transfer and discharge, including the right to appeal a discharge.
Contact a long-term care ombudsman for a complete list of resident rights.
Tips For Getting Good Care
Residents and families can:
• get to know staff — their names and duties
• educate staff about the resident—s likes and dislikes, daily routines and interests
• attend care plan or service plan meetings
• talk to staff about concerns
• keep a log of concerns and actions taken
• join or organize a resident or family council
• seek help from the Texas Long-term Care Ombudsman Program
Become a Volunteer LTC Ombudsman
Helping Residents
After moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility, a resident may need help to continue a life of dignity, respect, choice and as much independence as possible.
An ombudsman can help ensure that residents get the care they want and are treated with the dignity they deserve. Ombudsmen support and promote the health, safety and rights of residents.
To be an ombudsman, a person completes state-approved training and is certified by the State Long-term Care Ombudsman.
A long-term care ombudsman:
- Listens
- Offers Ideas and Options
- helps resolve concerns that affect residents
- supports resident and family councils
- respects resident choices and independence
- promotes resident-directed care
- protects resident rights
- informs government agencies and the public about the interests and needs of residents
- advocates for resident-focused laws and regulations
- helps residents when a facility plans to discharge them
Rights of Residents
A person living in a nursing home or assisted living facility has the same rights as any other resident of Texas and the United States under federal and state laws.
These include the right to:
• privacy
• confidentiality of records
• vote
• know about services and costs
• control personal finances
• participate in planning care and treatment
• refuse treatment
• be free from chemical and physical restraints
• be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation
• complain without fear of retaliation
• communicate freely with anyone
• rights related to admission, transfer and discharge, including the right to appeal a discharge.
Contact a long-term care ombudsman for a complete list of resident rights.
Tips For Getting Good Care
Residents and families can:
• get to know staff — their names and duties
• educate staff about the resident—s likes and dislikes, daily routines and interests
• attend care plan or service plan meetings
• talk to staff about concerns
• keep a log of concerns and actions taken
• join or organize a resident or family council
• seek help from the Texas Long-term Care Ombudsman Program
Become a Volunteer LTC Ombudsman
UPDATES:
Local Program Seeks Volunteers to Serve as Golden Crescent Long-Term Care Ombudsmen
Volunteer advocates empower residents in nursing homes (October 2020)
The Golden Crescent Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers in Calhoun, Dewitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, and Victoria to advocate for residents living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents, identify, and investigate complaints. They educate residents, families, and facility staff on protecting the health, safety, welfare, and rights of individuals living in long-term care settings. Ombudsman services are free and confidential.
Volunteers must be at least 18-years old and complete a free, 36-hour training course that includes classroom, self-study, and in-facility training. No prior experience is required. Hours are flexible and determined by each volunteer. Registration is required. If you have one hour per week to make a difference in someone’s life, please contact Christina Guajardo, to register for the course.
Local Program Seeks Volunteers to Serve as Golden Crescent Long-Term Care Ombudsmen
Volunteer advocates empower residents in nursing homes (October 2020)
The Golden Crescent Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers in Calhoun, Dewitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, and Victoria to advocate for residents living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents, identify, and investigate complaints. They educate residents, families, and facility staff on protecting the health, safety, welfare, and rights of individuals living in long-term care settings. Ombudsman services are free and confidential.
Volunteers must be at least 18-years old and complete a free, 36-hour training course that includes classroom, self-study, and in-facility training. No prior experience is required. Hours are flexible and determined by each volunteer. Registration is required. If you have one hour per week to make a difference in someone’s life, please contact Christina Guajardo, to register for the course.
Contact Information
Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-252-2412
Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission
1908 N. Laurent, Suite 600A
Victoria, Texas 77901
Christina Guajardo, Ombudsman Coordinator
Phone: 361-578-1587, ext. 217
Fax: 361-578-8865
Email: christinag@gcrpc.org
Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission
1908 N. Laurent, Suite 600A
Victoria, Texas 77901
Christina Guajardo, Ombudsman Coordinator
Phone: 361-578-1587, ext. 217
Fax: 361-578-8865
Email: christinag@gcrpc.org