If you or someone you know are in a care facility and believe that your rights have been violated, you may want the help of an Ombudsman. An ombudsman will help address and remedy any concerns you may have about the care you receive - including your rights, health, safety and welfare in Personal Care Homes, Nursing Homes, Domiciliary Care facilities and Adult Day Center.
What Is An Ombudsman?
- A trained individual who can help if you have a complaint or problem with any long-term care service.
- A source of information about your rights as a consumer and assistance in exercising those rights.
- An advocate for high standards of quality of care who promotes strict enforcement of those standards.
- A promoter of the highest quality of life for care-dependent Pennsylvanians, 60 years of age and older.
- A consumer representative who works within the legislative and rule-making process to improve long-term care service throughout the state.
- A person who assists long-term care consumers in pursuing remedies to their problems.
Who Uses the Ombudsman?
- Residents of nursing and personal care homes.
- Individuals receiving long-term care services in their homes and community.
- Families and friends of individuals who live in nursing or personal care homes.
- Staff of long-term care facilities
- Government agencies
What Kinds of Issues Are Handled?
- Questions about billing and charges, including those covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
- Concerns about the quality of care or treatment from a long-term care service provider.
- Appeals regarding transfers, discharges, discontinuance or charges in services.
Resources
Ombudsman Program Brochure
Volunteer to Be an Ombudsman
Elder Abuse Hotline - 1-800-734-2020
Advocacy News