The LTC Ombudsman Program

The Long-Term Ombudsman Program is authorized by the Federal Older Americans Act. This act requires every state, through the Office on Aging, to create a statewide ombudsman program to “investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of older individuals who are residents of long-term care facilities” (including nursing homes, assisted living and board care facilities).

An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents of long-term care facilities, board and care homes, and assisted living. They are trained and certified to resolve problems, address complaints, advocate for improvements in the long-term care system, to have the responsibility to negotiate on a resident’s behalf, and to work with other state agencies for effective enforcement.