What Are Long Term Care Ombudsmen?
Long term care residents who experience difficulties with their facility are entitled to help from what is referred to as a Long Term Care Ombudsman, free of charge. The government pays for ombudsmen to protect the rights of long term care residents.
A Long Term Care Ombudsman is someone who advocates on behalf of people that reside in long term care facilities. In Pennsylvania, these include nursing homes, personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, and adult day centers. The ombudsmen educate people about resident rights and the long-term care system. They also investigate complaints on behalf of people who receive services from long term care facilities.
How Can NIM Help?
NIM Long Term Care Ombudsmen can help you or your loved ones in the following ways:
• Advocate on behalf of consumers for enhanced quality of life and care relating to personal care and nursing care, environment, food and activities
• Educate consumers about their rights pertaining to admissions, transfer / discharge, personal funds, physician services, and nursing / personal care.
• Answer questions about long term care services and programs such as Medical Assistance and Medicare benefits
• Protect the identity of complainants upon request and respect confidentiality
Contact Us
NIM’s Ombudsman Program serves long term care residents located in Northeast and Northwest Philadelphia.
To contact an ombudsman at NIM call 215-843-0304.
To find an ombudsman outside of NIM’s area, please call 215-843-0304.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman?
Contact Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator Linda Brunn at LBrunn@nimphilly.org or call 215-843-5600 ext. 126.