Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Department of Elder Affairs
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a volunteer-based organization seeking to improve the quality of life of frail, vulnerable elders who live in long-term care settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. Their mission is to protect the human and civil rights of residents while ensuring their health, safety and dignity.
Ombudsmen advocate for residents of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program is housed within the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA). The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is comprised of 17 local councils across Florida, all offering free, localized services to residents of long-term facilities and their families. Ombudsmen investigate and resolve complaints submitted by, or on behalf of residents of long-term facilities who are 60 years of age or older.
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In addition, ombudsmen:
- Provide information regarding long-term care facilities
- Annually inspect each long-term facility to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents.
- Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils on facilities.
- Conduct community education sessions on resident rights and other relevant issues affecting long-term care residents.