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The Regional Services team is responsible for a wide-range of activities designed to improve the quality of life at the community level.
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.
What We Do
An ombudsman can help ensure that residents get the care they want and are treated with the dignity they deserve. Ombudsman 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.
Supports
Listens and visits residents while offering ideas and options, helps resolve concerns that affect residents and supports resident and family councils.
Protects
Respects resident choices and independence, promotes resident-direct care, and protects resident rights.
Advocates
Informs government agencies and the public about the interest and needs of residents, advocates for resident- focused laws and regulations, and helps residents when a facility plans to discharge them.
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.
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.
Become a Volunteer LTC Ombudsman
Local Program Seeks Volunteers to Serve as Golden Crescent Long-Term Care Ombudsmen
Become a VolunteerVolunteer 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.
Tips For Getting Good Care
Residents and families can:
- Get to know staff — their names and duties
- Keep a log of concerns and actions taken
- Educate staff about the resident’s likes and dislikes, daily routines and interests
- Join or organize a resident or family council
- Attend care plan or service plan meetings
- Seek help from the Texas Long-term Care Ombudsman Program
- Talk to staff about concerns
Please contact us with questions or for more information.
