Advocating for the rights in long-term care
BY JO MAHLUM
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – The Volunteer Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights of people aged 60 years and older who reside in nursing homes.
These rights include dignity, privacy, grievance, access, notification and transfer or discharge rights.
The program was created in the 1970s by the federal government due to the uptick in complaints about the quality of care in nursing facilities.
The program then transformed into the Volunteer Ombudsman Program in 1994, to complement and extend the advocacy services of Wisconsin’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
It then became a voice and advocate for the long-term-care consumer with the goal of resolving issues and improving care.
The program has been placing trained volunteers in nursing facilities for 30 years.
The program has grown to include over 30 counties in Wisconsin, and they are looking to increase the number of volunteers to fill as many opportunities in facilities as possible.
The need for such a program has only increased over the years.
“We hear that residents may experience extended periods of time before their call lights are answered, or that they have concerns about their meals, or that they are going without certain cares or services due to a variety of factors,” said Andie Grassl, volunteer coordinator.
“Residents should expect and experience prompt, dignified care, and this is where our Volunteer Ombudsmen can make a difference. They educate residents about their rights and empower them to speak up for themselves.”
During visits to a nursing home, Volunteer Ombudsmen meet with residents one-on-one, listen to experiences and concerns and with the resident’s consent, communicate concerns and questions to facility administrators.
Their goal is always to advocate for a resolution that will improve the quality of care given to the residents.
“It can help bring about positive change for these residents and the long-term care facilities. Everyone wants to see superior care being given to residents, and our Volunteer Ombudsmen can help relay concerns, questions and feedback to facility administrators who can then address the concerns that they may or may not be aware of,” Grassl said.
The program is able to advocate for these rights through interaction with the residents and listening to concerns or complaints that they may have, while also informing the residents of the rights that they have.
The ultimate goal is to have a Volunteer Ombudsman placed at each nursing home in northeast Wisconsin.
“We are actively looking for people who have a passion for improving the lives of the elderly to join our Volunteer Ombudsman Program. Our volunteers receive training and support from experts in resident rights advocacy, making visits to a designated nursing home to interact with residents and their families, empower residents to speak up for themselves, and are a voice for residents who need the extra support,” Grassl noted.
For more information, contact Grassl at [email protected], call 1 (800) 815-0015 or visit longtermcare.wi.gov.