Board On Aging & Long Term Care Volunteer Ombudsman Program
The mission of the Board on Aging and Long Term Care is to advocate for the interests of the state's elderly citizens in need of long-term care. We provide resident directed advocacy to promote the
improvement of conditions in long-term care facilities and to enhance the quality of life of residents in long-term care.
Description:
The Volunteer Ombudsman Program is a service that was developed to assist residents of nursing homes through support and assistance toward empowerment. The Program increases the supplemental services provided to nursing home residents. Volunteer Ombudsmen make weekly, unannounced visits to designated long-term care facilities. The Volunteers observe, listen to and interact with the residents and their families. Volunteers observe conditions of the facility, talk with residents and their families and guide them in the right direction to resolve issues, complaints and concerns. These issues may include, but are not limited to personal hygiene, daily care, diet/meal issues, comfort, activities, staff relationships, personal empowerment and facility conditions. The Volunteer Ombudsmen assist residents by 'being their voice' and, with permission, will work hand-in-hand with the facility staff to resolve the residents' concerns. Volunteers do NOT provide hands-on care for residents.
History:
The State of Wisconsin Board on Aging & Long Term Care was implemented under Federal mandate with the Older Americans Act. The Volunteer Ombudsman Program was initially implemented in 1994 with 4 counties: Dane, Rock, Monroe and Milwaukee. The Volunteer component was expanded in 2000 with the additions of Racine, Kenosha, Waupaca, Wood, Portage, Shawano and Marathon counties. In 2008, the Volunteer Ombudsman Program was further expanded with the additions of Outagamie, Brown, Oconto, Lincoln, Waukesha, Columbia, Sauk, Vernon, LaCrosse, Jackson, Trempeauleau, Clark, Taylor, Dunn, Chippewa, Eau Claire, St. Croix and Pierce counties. Volunteers are required to attend a 7-hour training session prior to beginning their volunteer service. Volunteers are also required to attend periodic inservices on topics of interest that will enhance their skills as Volunteer Ombudsmen. Volunteers are expected to adhere to the Board's policies and procedures for all aspects of the Program, including confidentiality, resident rights and their representation as a Volunteer Ombudsman for the State. Volunteers in this program really do make a difference!
Contact people:
Office fax number: (608) 789-6367
Address:
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1309 Norplex Drive - Suite 9La Crosse, WI 54601(See a map) |
Web Site: http://longtermcare.state.wi.us
Directions:
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Jackson Street (Hwy 33) west off of 3rd Street
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: dna,
Walk distance (in minutes): -
Nearest Bus Stop: -, - minute walk |
| Last updated on August 12, 2009 |
