The Ombudsman Program is an advocacy program for persons over the age of 60 and others residing in licensed facilities who are receiving long-term care services. Ombudsmen work to assist residents in protecting their rights, health, safety and welfare

Ombudsmen Investigate Complaints made on Behalf of Residents
And
Can Provide Information about Long-term Care, Benefits, and Rights for Residents and their Families

Services are provided to those who are living :

• In nursing homes
• In residential care
• In the community, receiving in-home services under the Aged and Disabled Waiver from the Department of Health & Welfare.

What kinds of complaints does the Ombudsman handle?

• Accessing Long-Term Care
• Resident Rights
• Facility Care Issues
• Home-Based Care Issues
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Social Security
• And other agencies

How does the Ombudsman handle problems or complaints?

Upon receiving a complaint, the Ombudsman acts as an independent third party who:

• Investigates the situation
• Mediates between the older person and the agency or care facility,
• Recommends corrective action to resolve the problem.

How do I file a complaint or problem with the Ombudsman ?

An Ombudsman can be reached either through the Office on Aging at 208 736-2122, or by email at medgar@ooa.csi.edu, or letter at PO Box 1238, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238.

Where to go to find more information on Long-term Care, Rights, and benefits:

To find out about local nursing homes go to www.medicare.gov, then click on “Compare Nursing Homes in your Area” under the area Search Tools .

To find a guide for choosing a nursing home or assisted living go to www.assisted-living411.org

To find out about resources available to families and residents related to long-term care issues and problems , go to www.nursinghomeaction.org

If you want to receive the bi-montlhy Alzheimer Newsletter produced by the Area IV Ombudsman Program, you may call the Area Agency (208-736-2122 ) and ask to speak to the ombudsman program or send e-mail requesting to be added to the mailing list. Simply fill out this form and email it to medgar@ooa.csi.edu.