Benefits of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Residents of long-term care facilities benefit through trusting relationships with trained
volunteers who are well-informed and objective, listen to concerns, and respect residents’ privacy and confidentially.
- Volunteers benefit through the joy of making a difference in the lives of residents, and volunteers utilize and enhance their interpersonal skills.
Volunteer ombudsmen utilize skills in:
- Confidentiality
- Listening
- Communication
- Relationship building
- Problem resolution
- Resident rights
- Negotiation skills
- Self-resolution skills
To become a volunteer in the ombudsman program, you:
- Must be 18 years or older, have reliable transportation, are able to complete a background check, and possess genuine care and concern for older adults.
- Volunteers are required to visit an assigned facility on a regular basis.
- A training program, including shadowing and mentoring, is required before certification and placement. An annual 18 hours of continuing education is required.
The Ombudsman mission:
“Advocate for those who can’t, support those who can, and ensure
all long-term care consumers live with dignity and respect.”
Contact us:
Bucks County Area Agency on Aging
Stephanie Schwartz, Volunteer Coordinator
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Email: