Ombudsman Program – Shawnee Health

The Shawnee Alliance for Seniors Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is a 100% resident-centered, resident-directed advocacy program for all persons who reside in long term care facilities in 13 counties within the Shawnee Alliance service area.

Long Term Care facilities include Skilled Care facilities, Assisted Living facilities, Supportive Living facilities, Shelter Care facilities, Specialized Alzheimer’s facilities, and Intermediate Care facilities for the Developmentally Disabled.

Long Term Care Ombudsmen serve to protect and improve the quality of life and quality of care for Residents of long term care facilities through:

Receiving, investigating and attempting to resolve complaints and concerns from Residents, family members, community members
Maintaining a Regular Presence in long term care facilities through facility visits, attendance at Resident Council meetings, attendance at Resident Care Plan meetings, and other activities
Ensuring that all Residents know their rights as residents of long term care facilities

Encouraging and empowering Residents to make their needs and wants known
Individual and systemic advocacy for and on behalf of Residents
Promotion of best practices in long term care facilities
Providing education to family members, facility staff and community members on issues pertaining to long term care

If you would like more information on the Shawnee Alliance Long Term Care Ombudsman Program or would like to speak with an Ombudsman, please contact Shawnee Alliance at 1-800-642-7773 or 618-985-8322.

Shawnee Alliance Long Term Care Ombudsman Program recruits volunteers to advocate for residents. Volunteers receive training including supervised visits to long term care facilities, and ongoing support by the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers make a great contribution to the quality of life of long term care residents. If you are interested in becoming a trained Volunteer Ombudsman, please contact Shawnee Alliance at 1-800-642-7773.