Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Eligibility

The client must be a resident of a long-term care facility in one of the counties we serve:  Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Monroe, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union.

Top 3 Goals

1. Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by residents of long-term care facilities.
2. Ensure residents receive the highest quality of life and care possible, and that their rights are upheld.
3. Recruit, train, certify, and assign volunteer ombudsmen to every long-term care facility in the 16-county region. 

Explanation of Services

Under the federal Older Americans Act [OAA] every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential homes for the aged.  The Ombudsman works to resolve problems individual residents face, and effect change at the local, state, and national levels to improve quality of care.

Ombudsman program responsibilities include:

• Assisting residents, family members, and others understand residents’ rights, and support residents in exercising their rights guaranteed by law;
• Offering assistance to prospective residents and their families in choosing a facility that best meets their needs;
• Providing trained, certified ombudsman staff to be available in each long-term care facility;
• Acting on behalf of residents to ensure their stay is as pleasant and home-like as possible;
• Providing assistance to family and resident councils to enable them to advocate for change;
• Working with other agencies, including the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services, Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and law enforcement to ensure that residents are protected and receive the best possible care.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman FAQ

What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?                                     

A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate who ensures that all residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential homes for the aged have a voice and that their rights, dignity, and well-being are protected through independent, confidential advocacy and oversight.   Ombudsmen are certified by the state of Tennessee.

What type of issues does a Long-Term Care Ombudsman handle?

A Long-Term Care Ombudsman deals with a wide range of issues affecting resident care, safety, dignity, and rights.  Concerns can range from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to quality of life and quality of care issues.

Who can use Long-Term Care Ombudsman services?

Anyone can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Regardless of who contacts the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman’s focus will be on protecting resident rights and wishes.  Ombudsmen will need the consent of the resident in most cases to provide direct advocacy services. Consultations with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman are free and confidential and complaints can be made anonymously.

What does it cost to use the services of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

Long-Term Care Ombudsman services are free and confidential.

Do I need to have a complaint in order to use the services of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

No, it is not necessary to have a complaint to use the services of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.  Ombudsmen also provide information and resources and answer questions on a variety of topics related to aging and long-term care.

How do I reach a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program by calling 865-691-2551 EXT 4223 or emailing tkahler@ethra.org . 

*Important information to provide when reaching out to the Ombudsmen include your name, the name of the individual you are reaching out about, the name of the facility, a brief synopsis of your concern or questions, and information about how to contact you.

How can I help?

Our program is successful thanks to volunteers just like you! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman, please contact Rachel Crider by emailing rcrider@ethra.org or calling 865-691-2551 EXT 4314 today!

 For Volunteer Opportunities

Program Quick Stats