When a loved one requires more care than can be given at home, there are a myriad of questions that families are often faced with. It is unfamiliar and complex territory. One size does not fit all concerning a person’s needs. Expectations are often different than reality when dealing with government entities that regulate care. There is so much to learn… and quickly, that it is indeed overwhelming!  This blog is dedicated to providing some terminology and ‘just barely scratching the surface.’

I am fortunate to be able to draw upon a wealth of information from my former home state of Connecticut with their nationally known Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. 

WHAT IS A LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN/PERSON?

All 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, have an Office of the State LTC Ombudsman.

HISTORY- 

In 1978, as part of The Older Americans Act, the federal government established the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to assist residents of long-term care facilities in safeguarding their civil and human rights.

Skills needed-  What makes a great Ombudsman?

Active listening, communicating successfully with a diverse range of people, remaining nonjudgmental, having the courage to’ be the voice’ on behalf of the resident;  address problems at higher levels within an organization, problem-solving, analytical ability, and conflict resolution.

Duties- 

Although they resolve complaints, the scope of their role is broad…

Including- 

RECEIVES and looks into complaints, and assists residents in resolving problems.

 EDUCATES residents and families about their rights.

 EMPOWERS and supports residents and families to discuss concerns with nursing home staff.

 PROVIDES information regarding long-term care programs and services.

 ADVOCATES improvements in state and federal laws and regulations.

 REPRESENTS residents’ interests before governmental agencies.

 IDENTIFIES and seeks to remedy gaps in facility, government, or community services.

 RESPECTS the privacy and confidentiality of residents.

 ***Their services are free and confidential.

***Watch this video produced by the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (4 min, 48 sec)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXJzIm-5mos&t=288s

How to Locate your LTC Ombudsman in your State - 

(The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care  is an excellent non-profit advocacy organization representing consumers receiving long-term care and services in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home and community based settings).

Click on the map for your state leading you to specific resource professionals) 

https://theconsumervoice.org/get_help

Types of Residential Care Communities- 

Skilled Nursing Facilities- are inpatient facilities providingomplex  medical treatment and rehabilitation by trained medical professionals,( inckluding nursing, social workers, speech-language pathologists, physical an occupational therapists. Often they are discharged from a hospital stay and whose rehabilitation focus is to help patients recover and continue at their former level if possible. Should the patient not be able to resume former activities, they may be qualified to  stay at the community long term to meet heir daily needs.

Residential Care Homes- are private communities,  (Sometimes called board and care) usually with 20 residents or less who do not receive care from medical professionals. They may require assistane with personal care activities from caregivers such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation. The cost is generally 20 to 50% less expensive than assisted living.  

Assisted Living Facilities -  Assisted living communities do have some nursing staff .Residents in AL may require help with some activities of daily living, but want to live somewhat independently in a home-like setting with their own belongings. They may  transition to assisted living after living at home or in an independent living community.

Memory Care - is a long term care category specifically for people with memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Memory Care may be embedded in an assisted living facility of skilled nursing facility on a separate wing. Services provided typically include assistance with ADL’s ( activities of daily living) as well as proving a safe, structured environment that minimizes confusion.

It’s Yours For the Asking! 

If you liked this blog and want to see more….Please COMMENT at the end of this blog on the types of Senior - or Long Term Care information you would like to receive, (as there are so many topics!)  We also  have an excellent array of valuable podcasts I can include.  

For example, In future blogs, we can present information on, How to find a nursing home, Medicare 101, Person Centered Care, Social Isolation, Residents Rights, National Legislation Effecting Seniors, Discharge and Transfer, and many others! 

***For Help with Connecticut Residents Contact Mairead Painter

1-866-388-1888 or 860-424-5200

Fax: 860-772-1704

You can also e-mail us:  ltcop@ct.gov

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CTLTCOP

QUOTE-

“The love, care, and attention we give to the elderly is a measure of our humanity.” Unknown

Thanks!

Donna