Seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations in our community. Many of them live in long-term care facilities where they rely on the care and services provided by the institution for their quality of life. This dependency can leave them vulnerable to abuse and neglect — especially if they don’t have friends or family to advocate on their behalf.
If you are interested in becoming an advocate for the seniors in your community, the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas’s Volunteer Ombudsman Program may be right for you!
What Are Ombudsman Volunteers?
The Arkansas Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was implemented in 1975. We started with three participants. Today, there are over 740 paid and volunteer ombudsmen across the state.
Ombudsman volunteers are community members who act as liaisons and advocates for seniors in their community. An ombudsman visits a specific senior residency facility on a regular basis to form relationships and gather information.
They listen to the residents’ concerns and problems and report any major issues to the Regional Ombudsman. If these concerns include allegations of elder abuse or neglect, the Regional Ombudsman will report it to the proper authorities and assist during the investigation.
Ombudsman Volunteer Duties
The duties of a Hot Springs ombudsman volunteer are relatively straightforward:
- Perform regular visits to your assigned senior facility
- Inform and educate the residents of their rights and advocate on their behalf
- Provide residents and their families with information about the Ombudsman Program
- Observe and report about the condition of your assigned facility and its residents
- Refer resident allegations and complaints to the Regional Ombudsman
You will typically be visiting your assigned facility once a month. There are no time limits on your visits, but you should try to stay long enough to have in-depth conversations with multiple residents per visit.
While looking out for and reporting problems is a big part of being an ombudsman, spending quality time with the residents is equally important. You have to build trust with your residents for them to feel comfortable enough to share their problems with you.
Many of our ombudsman volunteers say that the relationships they build with their residents are the most rewarding part of the experience.
Who Can Volunteer as an Ombudsman?
To be a volunteer ombudsman in Hot Springs, you just have to meet a few simple requirements. You must:
- Be 18 or older
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have access to your own transportation
- Possess genuine care and concern for senior adults
* Please note that you may not be an ombudsman for any facility in which your immediate family members live or work.
There are no special skill requirements to become a volunteer ombudsman other than good communication skills and a genuine desire to help the elderly.
All of our ombudsman volunteers are provided with the necessary training in what to look for in their facility and how to report issues. This usually includes a day-long training class and a 12-hour orientation at your assigned facility.
Your training will cover elder rights; local, state, and federal laws concerning elder abuse and care; advocacy basics and reporting requirements; and signs of elder abuse and neglect.
Ombudsman volunteers are not mandated reporters because they are not allowed to report resident-identifying information without the resident’s consent. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you see any signs of elder abuse or neglect, report it to your Regional Ombudsman immediately and they will handle contacting the proper authorities as necessary. Who Can Use Ombudsman Services?
Any resident in a long-term care facility can use the services of the Hot Springs Ombudsman Volunteer Program. Long-term care facilities include nursing homes, assisted living homes, and skilled nursing facilities.
Our services may also be requested by friends and family members of long-term care residents, facility staff, or the community at large.
Who Can Use Ombudsman Services?
Any resident in a long-term care facility can use the services of the Hot Springs Ombudsman Volunteer Program. Long-term care facilities include nursing homes, assisted living homes, and skilled nursing facilities.
Our services may also be requested by friends and family members of long-term care residents, facility staff, or the community at large.
What Will My First Visit as an Ombudsman Look Like?
After you complete your initial training, an experienced ombudsman will accompany you on your first visit. You will be given a guided tour of the facility and introduced to the staff. This will give you a chance to become familiar with your surroundings and ask the staff any questions you may have.
During your first visit, you may also meet a few of the residents and start to become familiar with names and faces. After the initial visit, you should set up a regular visitation schedule to build a bond with your residents and show them that you’re ready to act as their advocate.
Contact Your Local Regional Ombudsman
If you suspect elder abuse in any local Hot Springs or Russellville long-term care facility, contact your Regional Ombudsman.
Charlotte Sudmeyer
csudmeyer@seniorspecialists.org
Regional Ombudsman for Garland, Montgomery, Hot Spring, Clark, and Pike counties.
Stacy Pearson
spearson@seniorspecialists.org
Regional Ombudsman for Pope, Johnson, Yell, Conway, and Perry counties.
What Can I Report To My Local Ombudsman?
You can report any issues or concerns about a senior care facility, including:
- Finances
- Medicaid eligibility
- Restraints
- Guardianship
- Food quality
- Transfers or discharges
- Room temperature
- Social activities
- Rights restrictions
- Care plans
How Can I Apply To Be a Hot Springs Ombudsman Volunteer?
If you’re interested in becoming a Russellville or Hot Springs Ombudsman Volunteer, contact the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas at 800-467-2170.
You can also fill out the form on this page, or email us at info@seniorspecialists.org for information on how to get started on reporting senior abuse in Arkansas.
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