Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Ombudsman program advocates on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities, working to protect residents' rights, investigating and resolving complaints made by or for residents, addressing quality of care/quality of life issues, providing training, education and technical assistance, monitoring rules, regulations and legislation.

Ombudsmen work to resolve problems and concerns of individual residents by creating a presence through regular unannounced visits, monitoring conditions and care, and providing a voice for those unable to speak for themselves.

The Ombudsman program staff and state certified Ombudsman volunteers are authorized by federal and state law to visit nursing homes, residential care and assisted living facilities to ensure that residents' rights are protected and that they are treated with dignity and are receiving quality care.

Ombudsmen are trained advocates, educated in the needs, rights and issues of residents living in long-term care facilities. They are knowledgeable in the state and federal regulations governing long-term care facilities.

CA CRISISline

• California State CRISISline number: 800-231-4024

This CRISISline is available to take calls and refer complaints 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.