Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman
program advocates for the rights of residents of care facilities such as
nursing homes and personal care boarding homes (or assisted living
facilities).
How to Contact Our Ombudsmen
Contact an ombudsman to report a concern related to the care
of an older resident, to request in-service training about resident/elder
rights, or to obtain information about long-term care services or
placement. Residents of these facilities have specific rights
regarding their care. A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for
these rights.
Whether you are a resident of a long-term care facility, a family
member or friend of a resident, or a staff member of a facility, an
ombudsman can help resolve issues that are important to you.
What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?
- An advocate concerned with protecting the rights of older adults living in long-term care facilities
- A mediator who works with residents, family members, and facility staff to resolve issues affecting residents
- A resource for residents, family members, and the public on issues regarding the rights of residents of long-term care facilities
- An investigator of complaints and concerns that affect the quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities
Who Can Use the Services of an Ombudsman?
- Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities for older adults
- Friends and relatives of residents
- Facility staff and administrators
- The general public
- Anyone concerned about the welfare of residents in long-term care facilities
- Anyone who needs information about long-term care
What Can an Ombudsman Do?
- Help residents obtain necessary legal, social, recreational, physical, and emotional support services
- Identify residents' concerns regarding their care and mediate to reach equitable solutions
- Assist facility staff in meeting the needs and concerns of residents
- Advocate for improvements and changes in legislation and policies affecting long-term care
- Educate the community about long-term care for older adults
When Should an Ombudsman Be Called?
- To report a problem or concern related to the care of a resident
- To request in-service training about residents' rights and other issues related to caring for older adults
- To obtain information about long-term care, residents' rights, facility services and standards, Medicaid coverage, resident transfer, or discharge concerns
The Rights of Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
- To voice grievances without fear of reprisal
- To be safe from mental and physical abuse; to be free from chemical and physical restraints
- To be discharged or transferred only for medical reasons, for the welfare of the resident or others, or for non-payment
- To receive treatment and care in privacy and to communicate privately
- To freely participate in social, religious, and community activities
- To participate in planning one's own care and treatment
- To manage personal and financial affairs; to make choices and independent decisions
- To keep and use personal belongings as space permits and to have adequate security for possessions
- To be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity
Our Viewing Files
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program maintains public information files which contain reports of annual inspections and investigations of all long-term care facilities in Boulder County. These inspections are conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Facilities Division. Copies of inspection reports from all Boulder County long-term care facilities are available for viewing at the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office, Boulder County Aging Services Division, 3482 N. Broadway, Boulder. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Current inspection reports are also available for viewing at each nursing home and assisted living facility.
Links to More Resources
In addition, here are specific websites you may find helpful for further information:
