Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

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 residents of long-term care facilities. These facilities include nursing homes, or skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities, residential facilities, and recipients of home care programs. Residents 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 resident 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 residents. What does an Ombudsman do? Receives, does inquiries and attempts to resolve problems or complaints affecting residents 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 residents. 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 residents of long-term care facilities as citizens and as residents. Concerns about the care or treatment provided in long-term care facilities such as admissions, health services, drugs, food, resident funds and transfer or discharge. Problems with cost (billing and charges) or Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Who does the Ombudsman serve? Residents or potential residents of long-term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, board and care homes, and home care). Relatives or friends of long-term care residents. Long-term care employees and administrators. Members of community groups or citizens interested in improving long-term care.
contact the Ombudsman representative nearest you:
email mailto:dalden@wyoming.com Deborah Alden Ombudsman Program Manager 953 Water St. P.O. Box 94 Wheatland, WY 82201 (307) 322-5553 Fax: (307) 322-3283 Counties Served: Goshen, Platte email mailto:simineo@wyoming.com Charlie Simineo Regional Ombudsman 413 West 18^th St. Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 634-1010 Fax: (307) 634-0903 Counties Served: Albany, Carbon, Sweetwater, Laramie, Uinta	email mailto:rortiz@wyoming.com Rita Ortiz Regional Ombudsman 951 Werner Ct. Suite 295 Casper, WY 82601-1303 (307) 235-5959 Fax: (307) 235-5960 Counties Served: Campbell, Crook, Converse, Johnson, Natrona, Sheridan, Weston, Niobrara email mailto:jamiel@wyoming.com Jamie Lookingbill Regional Ombudsman 160 West Adams Riverton, WY 82501 (307) 856-6880 (800) 856-4398 Fax: (307) 856-4466 Counties Served: Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs, Lincoln, Park, Sublette, Teton, Washakie
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