Aging in place: Legislators' goal: Keeping senior citizens in their homes as long as possible Oct 4, 2007
In 2003, state Long Term Care Ombudsman programs nationally investigated 20,673 complaints of abuse, gross neglect and exploitation on behalf of nursing home and board-and-care residents. What's even more telling is that experts believe only one in five cases are reported. (Pennsylvania Northeast Business Journal, PA)
New panel lists state psychiatric woes Sep 26, 2007
Officials with the Department of Human Resources, which runs the state hospitals, said at Tuesday's meeting that the agency is looking into improvements that include establishing an ombudsman program to represent patients in troubleshooting problems; expanding housing for people with mental illness; and improving services for patients after they are discharged from psychiatric hospitals. For years, the department declined to seek more state money for the hospitals. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
County gears up for Senior Academy II Aug 28, 2007
Topics in this year's Senior Academy II will include nutrition, Social Security, the Ombudsman Program, adult day care, emergency medical, chiropractic, hospice, Jo Daviess County transit. For more information, contact Chief Deputy Colin Fulrath or Deputy Lisa Duerr at (815) 777-2141 or (800) 373-7838. (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Growth curve Aug 25, 2007
The company's ombudsman program, which accounts for 13 new schools this fall, serves middle and high-school students who are at risk for dropping out or failing. Its spectrum center program, with two new sites this fall, helps "profoundly disabled" K-12 students, including those with autism and multiple learning disabilities. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
10 Tips: How to choose a nursing home Jul 18, 2007
Contact your states long-term care ombudsman program. Another important resource for you can be the ombudsman who monitors nursing homes in your state or local area. (MSNBC -- Business)
Budget Impasse Requires PA Department of Aging to Furlough Half of its Workforce Jul 7, 2007
-- Training, monitoring, and technical assistance to the AAAs for the ombudsman program would be limited. -- The AAAs' and the department's abilities to meet federal and state report requirements would be severely limited. (PR Newswire)
Mexico Manor may be forced to close as of June 18 Jun 9, 2007
Because of the possible disruption to residents, Gonder said, "We do inform the residents, next-of-kin, or guardian that they need to be finding another place. The facility is supposed to help, and then we also help through our ombudsman program," specifically referring to the Missouri Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Gonder said the program "wouldn't necessarily find a place for them," but said, "If there were a situation where a family needed help in how to start looking for a new place, we... (Mexico Ledger, MO)
Older volunteers honored May 19, 2007
"Not only does he help so many people get their Medi-Cal services, but he has never missed a training session, he volunteers in our ombudsman program, and he's very involved in his church. If he sees anyone in need that he could possibly help out with, he jumps right in there and does it." Madera County Volunteer of the YearNancy Harmon, the "Jill of all trades" at the Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst, has volunteered 14 hours per week there for the past year. As the treasurer of the Sierra... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Instruction change emphasizes ombudsman role in readiness Apr 20, 2007
Multiple revisions designed to emphasize the important role of the ombudsman and increase the resources of the Navy Family Ombudsman Program became effective March 30, reaffirming the Navy's commitment to and support of this dedicated group of volunteers ... This includes mandating Reserve commands to have an ombudsman program, and establishing responsibilities for losing and gaining commands in situations where family members remain in one community while the service member reports to another... (The Dolphin, CT)
READERS WRITE Apr 6, 2007
The April 2 editorial "CDC officials too coy with senator" about accountability in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ombudsman program raised important issues about the agency's mission success ... Grassley's request to discuss CDC's ombudsman program is legitimate - as is the ombudsmen's initial demurring until all relevant factors were known. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
CDC to hear legitimate concerns Apr 2, 2007
The CDC embarked on its ombudsman program with an understanding that our initial ombudsmen would work to assure employees of the ombudsmen's organizational independence. That said, we are encouraging them to find a way to address Grassley's legitimate interests. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
CDC officials too coy with senator Apr 2, 2007
In the end, the ombudsman program at the CDC will only be successful if employees see it as independent of Gerberding and willing to address their concerns. A briefing for Grassley should help, not harm, that mission. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
More of this story Mar 28, 2007
-Another source of help is the ombudsman program in the Office of Elder Affairs at 617-727-7750. Local ombudsmen program directors are Patti White at South Shore Elder Services in Braintree at 781-848-3939, Ext. (Brockton Enterprise, MA)
This week's column Feb 17, 2007
A Herald-Tribune article Tuesday about the state's long-term care ombudsman program described a complaint about conditions at an unnamed assisted living facility handled by the local ombudsman. Two photos of the ombudsman who handled the complaint accompanied the article. (Herald-Tribune)
Advocates for the elderly Feb 6, 2007
After hearing about the ombudsman program, Osenga, who had once volunteered in a nursing home while living in Georgia, thought she could help ... Last year, the ombudsman program handled 7,878 complaints, down from 9,070 the previous year. (Herald-Tribune)
A Rare Institution Serves a Need in Polk Jan 8, 2007
The ombudsman's annual inspection on April 18 found no deficiencies, and interviews with a half dozen residents were overwhelmingly positive, said Teague, who oversees the ombudsman program in Polk. He said only one criticism surfaced during a July 22, 2005, annual inspection: The Rohr Home did not have a family council whereby residents' relatives could meet and discuss concerns with staff. (The Ledger)
A secret Medicaid overhaul: An expensive lesson Jan 7, 2007
The state Bureau of Senior Services had a $992,000 contract to run the in-home care program and nursing home ombudsman program. BoSS employees spent much of 2006 dealing with in-home cutoffs and hearings. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Ombudsman Covers 3 Area Counties Jan 7, 2007
CINDY SKOP/THE LEDGER William Teague, 32, has been a district representative for the Florida Long-Term Ombudsman Program since August 2003 ... LAKELAND - William Teague is one of 17 district representatives for the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program ... In 2002 the ombudsman program was placed within the state Department of Elder Affairs. (The Ledger)
Florida's Nursing Home Caregiver Levels Just Meet U.S. Standards Jan 7, 2007
That bump, which translates to just 18 minutes a day of additional care, may not sound like much, but it will definitely reduce injuries even further, said William Teague, who oversees the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in Polk. Teague's office provides an additional layer of scrutiny for Polk's 23 nursing homes with bed space for up to 2,865 residents. (The Ledger)
Listening, health, family top resolution list Jan 2, 2007
Retired attorney Susan Warne, who is the ombudsman program coordinator for SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization s Area Agency on Aging, is enrolled with Health 20 and is working with the fitness center s personal trainer. I ve been going three days a week for a month now, and really enjoy it, Warne said. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
UPDATE 2006: Aging Services makes most of new levy Dec 28, 2006
Respite care, workshops for families dealing with Alzheimer's, a riendly visitation program for volunteers under 55 willing to visit home-bound and facility-bound seniors, and expanded hours for a formal ombudsman program for nursing and personal-care homes also are in the works, she said. he county, the city, the citizens of Missoula they are all doing their part, said Kohler. (Missoulian, MT)
The creation of a Suffolk County Senior Citizen Task Force Dec 27, 2006
A Local Ombudsman Program representative for clarification of issues relating to residents of Long Term Care. 2. (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Give from the heart Nov 23, 2006
Fresno/Madera Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs: Work with the organization to advocate for quality care in long-term care facilities. Call 224-9177. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Penney Pavilion gets third Gold Seal award Nov 16, 2006
Each recipient must be in operation at least 30 months and meet rigorous performance criteria, including financial stability, high quality care compared to other nursing homes in their region, an excellent record with the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and community involvement. Nominees cannot have "conditional" licenses or Nursing Home Watch List appearances in the past 30 months. (Florida Times-Union)
Thousands of Seniors Served Nov 15, 2006
Bill Higgins is the recipient for this year's Hours of Generosity Award for his service to the Ombudsman program in Knox County ... A program called I CARE is a long-term care ombudsman program dedicated to protecting, advocating, and defending the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. (Galesburg The Paper, IL)
Iowa voters speak Tuesday Nov 5, 2006
The majority of AARP Iowa members surveyed support increasing the staff for the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The program, AARP said in "Common Ground on the Future," helped "improve patient care and quality control by resolving issues and complaints between residents and facility employees.". (Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, IA)
Education, health top Napolitano plan Nov 3, 2006
Matthew BensonThe Arizona RepublicNov. From the start, Gov. Janet Napolitano has said her aim was to prepare Arizona for long after she leaves office. (AZCentral -- News)
Health facility faces review Oct 30, 2006
said Caronanne Procaccini, program director of Cape United Elders, which administers a nursing home ombudsman program under the Community Action Committee. These are two significant quality of care issues. (Cape Cod Times, MA)
Dorothy Forte, Louise Woodard honored for helping seniors Oct 18, 2006
Forte and Woodard work through the Barren River Long Term Care Ombudsman Program ... According to Mary Burden, volunteer coordinator for the ombudsman program, there is an urgent need for at least two additional volunteers if the program is to adequately serve Logan County nursing home residents ... For more information regarding volunteer opportunities with the Barren River Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, call 1-800-355-7580. (Russellville News Democrat Leader, KY)
Legislature enacts major changes for business Oct 17, 2006
Small businesses got lawmakers to pay enough attention to their own woes to call for a study of how regulations disproportionately affect them -- and to establish an ombudsman program in state agencies to better explain the rules. "All in all, the legislative session turned out pretty well for small business," said Michael Shaw, assistant state director of the. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Finding and financing the right nursing home Oct 11, 2006
The has links to every states ombudsman program. Consumer Report's free can help narrow your choices. (MSNBC -- Business)
How to get info about an adult-care home Aug 24, 2006
Talk to a patient's advocate in the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program ... DETAILS: Call toll-free in North Carolina to CARE-LINE at 800-662-7030 or TTY 1-877-452-2514 and ask to be connected with the State Ombudsman Program in the Division of Aging. (Charlotte.com, NC -- News)
Ombudsman program looks for volunteers Aug 23, 2006
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program would like to rectify these problems for as many seniors as is possible ... Donald J. Huskey, a case manager and counselor, is also the recruitment coordinator for the Ombudsman program for region 9. (Flora Daily Clay County Advocate-Press, IL)
Owner Faces Charges Of Neglect At Facility For Assisted Living Jul 16, 2006
" Anderson remained in the Pinellas County jail Saturday afternoon on $120,000 bail. His wife of 35 years, Doris, stands behind him, saying that friends and family also support her husband. Anderson has no previous criminal record and was taken into custody without incident. The Beginning Of The Investigation Deputies say the facility houses about 30 elderly and physically or mentally disabled patients and came under investigation Dec. 16, when a deputy responded to a call about a suicidal... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Public meeting to offer tips on picking the right assisted-care facility Jul 14, 2006
Open to anyone wanting to know more about assisted living, the two keynote speakers, SEAGO Area Agency on Aging Director Kathleen Heard and Ombudsman Program Coordinator Susan Warne will be addressing a number of topics that deal with care-giving decisions. The meeting will be at the Ethel Berger Center, 2950 E. Tacoma St., from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Assisted living offers long-term care services in a home-like environment, while allowing the person as much independence as possible. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
AARP poll shows members support raising tobacco tax Jul 13, 2006
78 percent want to see staffing increased at the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates on behalf of residents in nursing homes, group homes, assisted living and residential care facilities. 98 percent said they want to see improved access to health care for all Iowans. (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
Alternatives founder honored for commitment to older adults Apr 20, 2006
We were trying to meet the needs of our population," she added. Alternatives now offers a money management program; a nursing home ombudsman program; Home Again, a program that helps people to live independently again; Ring for Care, in which volunteers check on those living alone by phone; and a caregiver program that includes a support group, counseling and classes. Ms. Freda said she has always had an interest in the development of volunteers as a resource but never envisioned having a group... (Quad-Cities Online)
Smoking Ban Irks Retirement Home Residents Feb 21, 2006
"I doubt that many people knew that this would exclude any smoking by people living in places like this," said Jeff Crollard, attorney for the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. Crollard drafted a bill that to allow smoking rooms in long-term care facilities, but the legislation, introduced by Rep. (AP-Health)
State's nursing home checks faulted Jan 30, 2006
Contact the long-term care ombudsman program in your county. The state ombudsman is responsible for advocating for nursing home residents and family members. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Elder Care Reforms OKd Jan 11, 2006
Sponsored by the Judiciary Committee's chairman, Dave Jones (D-Sacramento), the bill would license and audit professional conservators, increase court supervision of their work and set up an ombudsman program to investigate conservatorship-related complaints. "The system is failing the people it was set up to protect," he said. (LA Times, CA -- California)
