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Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
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HOW DOES THE OMBUDSMAN HELP NURSING HOME RESIDENTS?
When residents of long-term care facilities and families cannot resolve their problems through consultation with the facility staff or governmental agencies involved, they should contact their District Ombudsman. The Ombudsman works with many agencies and may be able to help resolve questions or concerns that involve state and federal agencies administering services to the elderly.
Concerns can include quality of care, financial information, resident rights, admissions, transfer, and discharge. Also included are questions regarding nursing homes, homes for the aged, assisted care living facilities, Medicaid and Medicare.
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The Ombudsman takes time to listen to the concerns of the resident. Residents can share concerns about their situations or other personal concerns. *The Ombudsman will keep these matters confidential. The Ombudsman will assist in trying to resolve concerns and problems and can also explain resident rights and responsibilities.
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR OMBUDSMAN ASSISTANCE?
Any resident of a long-term care facility such as nursing homes, homes for the aged, assisted care living facilities, is eligible to request assistance from the Ombudsman. Families of residents may also contact the Ombudsman office on behalf of the resident.
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To be assisted by the First District Ombudsman, residents must be in a facility in Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi or Washington counties. Residents in other Tennessee counties must contact the Ombudsman in their district. If you need to locate your local Ombudsman, CLICK HERE.
There are no age or financial restrictions for those contacting the Ombudsman.
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WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS A NURSING HOME RESIDENT?
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A safe and clean living environment
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Privacy
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Information
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Exercise civil rights
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Participate in or refuse treatment
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Voice grievances without retaliation
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Manage personal finances
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Adequate and appropriate medical and nursing care
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Be free of physical and chemical restraints
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Take part in community activities
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Be treated with courtesy and respect
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Private visits and unrestricted communications
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Not to be transferred or discharged from the home
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Be free from physical, verbal, mental, and emotional abuse
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HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE OMBUDSMAN?
If you have a concern or question in regard to a resident of a long-term care facility that cannot be resolved through a discussion with the facility staff or administrators, contact the First District Long-Term Care Ombudsman at:
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First District Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Karrie Erick
3211 N. Roan St.
Johnson City, TN 37601
423-979-2599
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HOW THE OMBUDSMAN CAN HELP THE FAMILY OR FRIENDS OF A RESIDENT
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Provide information regarding the admission process to nursing homes, assisted care living facilities and homes for the aged
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Help clarify nursing home, assisted care living facility, or home for the aged regulations that apply to your situation
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Make helpful referrals to other agencies
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Help find solutions to small problems before they get too big
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Promote healthy and realistic attitudes of residents and families toward nursing homes
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Respect requests for anonymity
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Act as a resource for staff training needs
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CAN I VOLUNTEER WITH THE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM?
The Ombudsman Program needs volunteers for the residents in long-term care facilities. Trained volunteer representatives of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program visit residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and establish a regular presence in the facility. They provide information about resident rights, quality of care, and quality of life to residents and family members. Volunteers also observe conditions, advocate for residents, and handle simple complaints.
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CLICK HERE to view the full program description.
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CLICK HERE to access the volunteer information sheet.
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CLICK HERE to download the volunteer application.
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CLICK HERE to download the conflict-of-interest declaration.
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CLICK HERE to download the shadowing agreement.
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If you would like more information about volunteering with the First District Ombudsman program, contact:
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First District Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Karrie Erick
3211 N. Roan St.
Johnson City, TN 37601
423-979-2599
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