Volunteering at the Long Term Care Ombudsman

Ombudsman volunteers are an essential part of the LTCO program. They may be a resident advocate, or assist with other functions of the agency.

Resident Advocates

An "om-buds-man" is an advocate who acts on behalf of others. Volunteers with the Long Term Care Ombudsmen protect the rights of nursing home and assisted living residents, and monitor the quality of care provided to them. They maintain contact with the residents, represent their interests, and help resolve their concerns and complaints.

Volunteers are provided intensive training before assignment to a long term care facility, where they work under the supervision of an experienced LTCO staff member. Volunteers:

• Visit residents on a regular basis
• Observe in facilities
• Listen to residents' concerns and problems
• Inform residents of their rights
• Empower residents to advocate for themselves
• Assist with handling basic complaints under the supervision of a staff ombudsman
• Report to staff ombudsmen who will guide volunteers in responding to residents' needs

Volunteers assigned to nursing homes must have the following qualifications:

• Effective communication skills
• Tact and diplomacy
• Good listening skills
• Interest & respect for older persons and their capabilities
• Responsible in reporting & handling confidential issues
• Willing & able to attend training and continuing education
• Ability to travel to a facility in your area within Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain or Medina Counties

Other Volunteer Opportunities

• Office Assistance
  - Mailing, filing, data entry, copying
• Consumer Information
  - Selection assistant
• Speaker's Bureau
  - Experienced volunteers assist with community speaking engagements
• Committee Membership
  - Advocacy
  - Development
  - Program Planning
• Other Opportunities

What Volunteers Have Said

"They (the residents) can tell an outsider, someone not connected with the nursing home, more." - Nan Niven, Volunteer, 14 years

"I could so easily be in their place, that I feel it's important to make them feel their life is worthwhile." - Esther Saginor, Volunteer, 14 years

"When you get to know the residents you see they have so much to offer. They become special friends." - Carol Aufdenkampe, Volunteer, 9 years

"I do what I can to make their life more pleasant… I can go in tired and come out exhilarated!" - Peg Bretschneider, Volunteer, 11 years

For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 216/696-2719, or send an email message "Re: Volunteering" to Volunteers@ltco.org.