Advocacy Through Volunteerism

Long Term Care Ombudsman

Certified volunteers in the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serve persons who reside in licensed long-term care settings (such as nursing homes, assisted living, and adult family homes). An ombud works to ensure that residents in these facilities receive good quality of life and care by providing information to residents about their rights, working to resolve problems on behalf of residents, monitoring the enforcement of the laws by DSHS, and advocating for improvements in the long-term care system. Visit the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program here.

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Who Can Use the Ombudsman Program ?

• Residents of Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Family Homes and Veteran’s Homes
• Relatives and friends of residents in long-term care facilities
• Administrators and employees of Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Family Homes and Veterans’ Homes
• Any group or individual concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities
• The community-at-large
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Volunteer with BMAC Ombudsman Program

A certified Ombuds is a volunteer, observer, listener, detective, communicator, and problem-solver who advocates for residents in long-term care facilities. Each volunteer receives extensive free training and support.

Our volunteers find that they enjoy knowing that their volunteer work makes a critical difference in the lives of vulnerable people. Volunteer Ombuds work to protect residents’ rights and dignity, ensure quality care, and prevent neglect, abuse, and other issues.

Contact Elizabeth Claridge at 509-520-5162 or elizabethc@bmacww.org to request a volunteer application.

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