Fact Sheet

THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program resolves the problems of individual residents in long-term care facilities, assists resident councils, family councils and citizen organizations, and represents residents’ needs and interests to public officials.

Why was the program created and when?

Increasing and widespread public concern about the quality of care in nursing homes and a Presidential initiative prompted the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to award five contracts for ombudsman demonstration programs in 1972. By 1978 the federal Older Americans Act required all states to establish a program.

Where is the program today?

The Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for the national program. Each state has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program operated through, or by, the Agency on Aging. Thus there are some differences in the program among the states. Today all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam have an Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Who serves residents as long-term care ombudsmen?

Each state program is headed by a State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Throughout the state paid staff and volunteer ombudsmen serve residents. In 2000, there were almost 1,000 paid ombudsmen and more than 12,000 volunteer ombudsmen nationwide.

What specific services are provided by long-term care ombudsmen?*