Ohio’s Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman advocates for people receiving home care, assisted living and nursing home care. Paid and volunteer staff work to resolve complaints about services, help people select a provider and offer information about benefits and consumer rights. Ombudsman representatives do not regulate nursing homes and home health agencies, but do work with providers, residents, their families and other representatives to resolve problems and concerns. In addition, ombudsman representatives: Advocate for person-centered approaches by providers to meet the needs and honor the preferences of residents; Link residents with services or agencies; Offer resources for selecting long-term care providers; and Provide information and assistance with benefits and insurance. Contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206.
Volunteer to support the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and your regional long-term care ombudsman program. Ombudsman volunteers provide a voice for long-term care consumers. Volunteers visit consumers in their own homes, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. During COVID-19 volunteers are calling residents and their families, utilizing video conferencing software to perform virtual advocacy visits, and writing letters to residents in long-term care. In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, volunteers observe conditions and care and inform residents about their rights. For consumers who choose to receive care in their own homes, volunteers talk to consumers about their caregivers and services they receive.
| (614) 728-6149 | |
| ljohnson@age.ohio.gov | |
| Laurinda Johnson | |
| Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator | |
| https://aging.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/aging/care-and-living/get-help/get-an-advocate/ |
