 |
|
|
|
 |
Residents
of Long Term Care Facilities (Nursing and Adult
Care Homes) |
|
Families
and Friends of Residents in Long Term Care Facilities
|
|
Long-Term
Care Facility Staff |
|
Government
Agencies and Community Groups |
|
Anyone
seeking information regarding long-term care |
What
does the Ombudsman Program do for
residents of long-term care facilities?
|
|
RECEIVES,
Investigates, and seeks to resolve concerns/complaints
on their behalf |
|
ENSURES
understanding and implementation of rights |
|
ENCOURAGES
self-resolution |
|
PROTECTS
privacy and confidentiality |
|
PROVIDES
information and referral regarding long-term care
programs and services |
|
IDENTIFIES
and seeks to remedy gaps in facility, government,
or community services |
|
ADVOCATES
for improvement in relevant legislation, policy,
and regulations |
|
PROMOTES
the highest quality of life and care for long-term
care consumers |
| Ombudsman
Services are Confidential and Free |
 |
| What
kinds of complaints are handled?
|
|
PROBLEMS
pertaining to residents' rights in Long-Term Care
Facilities |
|
PROBLEMS
with billing and charges, Medicare and Medicaid |
|
CONCERNS
about the quality of care or treatment from a long-term
care service provider |
|
COMPLAINTS
regarding transfers, discharges, discontinuance
or changes in services, and appeal rights |
| What
to do before calling the Ombudsman
|
|
Be prepared.
Be organized and have your concerns in writing to
be more effective in asking the necessary questions. |
|
Keep
your own records. Take notes or keep a journal.
Remember to record dates, times, and people you
spoke with regarding your concerns. |
|
Be pleasant.
Getting angry or rude never helps to solve the problem. |
|
Utilize
the facility complaint or grievance procedure system.
If possible, try and resolve complaints through
the facility. |
Resident's
Rights
Residents of Long-Term
Care Facilities have basic and special rights under
Federal and State Law. Some of these rights are
listed below:
|
|
RIGHT
To Be Treated With Respect, Consideration, and Dignity |
|
RIGHT
To Know About and To Exercise Your Rights |
|
RIGHT
To Know About Services and Charges |
|
RIGHT
To Be Consulted in Planning Your Medical Treatment |
|
RIGHT
To Confidentiality of Medical Records |
|
RIGHT
To Privacy in Treatment and Care |
|
RIGHT
To Control Your Finances |
|
RIGHT
To Freedom From Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation |
|
RIGHT
To Freedom From Chemical and Physical Restraints |
|
RIGHT
To Express Grievances Without Fear of Retaliation |
|
RIGHTS
Pertaining to Admission, Transfers and Discharges,
Including the Right to Appeal in Certain Instances
|
|
| To
Contact the Ombudsman Program Call or write:
Alex Jernigan
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Area Agency on Aging
High Country Council of Governments
Post Office Box 1820 -- Boone, NC 28607
(828) 265-5434 (phone) ext 126 -- (828) 265-5439
(fax)
E-Mail Address: ajernigan@regiond.org
|
