Across America's 50 states, trained staff and volunteer certified ombudsmen regularly visit long-term care facilities, monitor conditions and care, and provide a voice for those unable to speak for themselves.

Services Include:

Visits long-term care facilities routinely to talk to residents and monitor conditions.

Investigates and works to resolve problems or complaints affecting long-term care residents.

Identifies problem areas in long-term care and advocates for change.

Provides information about long-term care and related services.

Promotes resident, family and community involvement in long-term care.

Educates the community about the needs of long-term care residents.

Coordinates efforts with other agencies concerned with long-term care.

Educates facility staff about resident rights and other issues.

Nancy Hill, Middle Georgia LTC Ombudsman, visits Ms. Frances Wright and Mr. Marvin Smith, residents of Forsyth Nursing Home, along with Sam the Golden Retriever.

Forsyth NH is an Eden Facility, and Sam is one of three facility dogs. Ms. Hill says, "The dogs greet all visitors to the nursing home, make nightly "rounds" to be sure all the residents are safe and sound, and often accompany residents when they go for a walk on the outdoor paths. The nursing home also has several cats, numerous birds and an outdoor goldfish pond. Ms. Wright operates a country store in the facility to help raise money for pet food and care".

Ms. Hill continues, "This facility represents a wonderful partnership between residents, staff, pets and the community. On every ombudsman visit, something can be observed that represents the Eden principle, such as teenagers reading to the residents; a family member bringing the family dog to visit; a new cat that a CNA gave to the facility when she had to move; community volunteers calling bingo, singing or providing donated refreshments. You may also see a CNA anticipating a resident's needs and arriving at a resident's room before they have even pressed their call button.

While the Ombudsman Program tends to focus on solving problems, it is a joy to serve a nursing home that has broadened itself beyond just being a health care facility, to becoming a community within a community."