What is a Volunteer Ombudsman?

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Would you like to expand your nursing home volunteer responsibilities? Today let’s explore how you can serve in the Volunteer Ombudsman program.

Federal law requires each of the 50 states to provide an ombudsman office to advocate for long-term care residents. They provide specially trained staff to address complaints and help resolve problems. Services are provided free of charge. While the staff includes paid employees, the office also recruits volunteers to serve long-term care residents.

What are the qualifications of a volunteer ombudsman?

• No medical or legal experience required
• At least 18 years old (21 in some locations)
• Undergo a criminal background check
• Formal interview and reference checks

What training is required?

• Training varies by state, but generally involves about 12 hours of classroom study as well as onsite training.
• Ongoing continuing education is required each year to maintain certification.

What is the time commitment?

• While this varies by state, it usually involves about 12-16 hours of service per month.
• You may be required to attend regular meetings with other volunteers and your supervisor.
• Nursing home visits are flexible according to what works best for your schedule.
• You may be asked to commit to serving for a minimum time, usually 6-12 months.

What will I do as a volunteer ombudsman?

• Make regular, unannounced visits to your assigned nursing home.
• Visit with residents and listen to their concerns.
• Help residents and their families communicate complaints to the nursing home administration.
• Make the nursing home administration aware of concerns you observe during your visits.
• Work to resolve resident complaints. Examples of concerns include food quality, incompatible roommates, and billing issues.
• Refer more serious complaints to the Regional Ombudsman for follow-up.
• Educate residents on their rights.
• Act as a resource for the nursing home in brainstorming solutions to resident concerns.

Interested in becoming a volunteer ombudsman? Check this site for information about opportunities in your state.

Here’s a bit of interesting trivia: The concept of an ombudsman originated in Sweden in the early 1800s. The word comes from a translation of a Swedish word meaning “representative”.