Ombudsman

A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an individual trained and certified to assist in the resolution of problems faced by long-term care residents. The Ombudsman will thoroughly investigate and attempt to resolve all complaints received. Ombudsman volunteers are essential people in our program. Our volunteers must have skills in communication, empathy, and good judgment. We have two types of opportunities available: Friendly Visitor & Pen Pal.

An Ombudsman can:

• Provide information about long-term care options and education about resident rights. Click Residents’ Rights to view resident’s rights as guaranteed by the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law.
• Investigate complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care residents.
• Make suggestions to family members and long-term care facilities about ways to improve quality of life for residents.
• Provide training to educate facilities on topics related to the care of residents.

Local Ombudsman:
SARCOA
1075 South Brannon Stand Road
Dothan, AL 36305
Telephone: (334)793-6843 or (800)239-3507
Serving Barbour, Coffee, Covington , Dale, Geneva , Henry and Houston counties

If you are interested in volunteering with the Ombudsman program, click here for more information.

State Ombudsman:
Alabama Department of Senior Services
770 Washington Avenue, Suite 470
Montgomery , AL 36130-1851
Telephone: (334)242-5743

Resident Council:

A resident Council is an independent, organized group of people living in a long-term care facility who meet on a regular basis to discuss concerns, develop suggestions, and plan activities. Resident councils empower residents to come together as a group and solve problems. Ombudsman and other visitors may attend only if invited.

Effective Resident Councils:

• Improve communication within their families.
• Help identify problem early; They are an important part of the grievance process and can help avoid the necessity of discussing problems with outside sources.
• Serve as a forum for expressing new ideas.
• Help residents speak up about what is bothering them and help ease the fear of retaliation if the council acts as a group.
• Improve the atmosphere of the facilities where resident councils are active
• Promote Friendship. By working in small groups, which meet regularly, resident have a chance to get to know each other well.

Click Resident Council Center  for more information on resident councils by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.

Family Council:

A family council is an independent, organized group of relative and friends of long-term care facility residents who meet on a regular basis to discuss issues and concerns regarding the facility. The purpose of a family council is intended to protect and improve the quality of life in the home and to give families a voice in decisions that affect their loved ones in the facility.

Effective Family councils benefit families, residents, and the facility in which they are involved.

Purposes of Family Councils:

• Support for families
• Education and information
• Discussion and action on concerns and complaints
• Joint activities for families and residents
• Support for the facility and its staff

Click Family Council Center  for more information about family councils provided by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

Resident and Family Councils are excellent opportunities for anyone with a passion for advocacy with older adults in long-term care. If you are interested in sharing your talents and compassion, contact SARCOA at 800-239-3507 or 334-793-6843.