Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
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What is a Long-Term Ombudsman? "Ombudsman" is
a Swedish word that means "citizen representative." The primary
duty of an Ombudsman is protecting the rights of individuals by doing
inquiries and resolving problems and grievances, providing information, and
working with institutions, organizations and agencies to increase their
responsiveness to the people they serve. An Ombudsman acts on
behalf of persons who need assistance in advocating their own cause. A
Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves the recipients of long-term care services.
These services include nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities,
residential facilities, assisted living facilities, boarding homes, hospice,
and recipients of home health programs. Recipients of long-term
care facilities sometimes have little or no contact with the outside world
and some may feel they lack control over their own lives. The Long-Term Care
Ombudsman serves as a recipient advocate and assists in the resolution of
problems and concerns. The goal of the Ombudsman Program is to improve the
quality of life for long-term care recipients. What does an Ombudsman do? Receives, does inquiries
and attempts to resolve problems or complaints affecting recipients of
long-term care facilities. Answers questions and
provides information and referral about long-term care and related services. Promotes community
education and awareness of the needs of long-term care recipients. Coordinates efforts with
other agencies and organizations concerned with long-term care. Identifies issues and
problem areas in long-term care and recommends needed changes. What kinds of problems does the Ombudsman handle? Problems related to the
rights of recipients of long-term care services as citizens and as
recipients. Concerns about the care
or treatment provided in long-term care services such as admissions, health
services, drugs, food, recipient funds and transfer or discharge. Problems with cost
(billing and charges) or Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Who does the Ombudsman serve? Recipients or potential
recipients of long-term care services (nursing homes, assisted living
facilities, board and care homes, home care, and hospice). Relatives or friends of
long-term care recipients. Long-term care employees
and administrators. Members of community groups or citizens interested in improving long-term care. |
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contact the Ombudsman representative nearest you: |
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Email mailto:dalden@wyoming.com Deborah Alden Counties Served: email mail to: jamiel@wyoming.com Jamie Lookingbill Assistant Long Term Care Ombudsman (307) 856-6880 Toll Free: 1-800-856-4398 Fax: (307) 856-4466 Counties Served: Big Horn, email mail to: regombriv2@wyoming.com Deborah Munn Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman (307) 856-6880 Toll Free: 1-800-856-4398 Fax: (307) 856-4466 Counties Served:
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email mailto:smpmgr@wyoming.com Robert Storti (307) 856-6880 Toll Free: 1-800-856-4398 Fax: (307) 856-4466 Counties Served: Natrona email mailto:seomb@wyoming.com Kathy J. Mitchell (“Jeannie”) Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman 865 Gilchrist (307) 322-5553 Fax: (307) 322-3283 Counties Served: |
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