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?
Amanda Scott can be reached through the Office on Aging at 208 736-2122, or by email ascott@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 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 to ltrostel@ooa.csi.edu.