Ombudsmen program seeking volunteers
The Southeast Missouri Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is currently seeking volunteers to serve residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities. The ombudsmen provide support and assistance with any problems or complaints. Following screening and training, the volunteer will be assigned to a facility. The ombudsmen receive orientation to the facility and its procedures prior to making regular contact with the residents. While most volunteers become ombudsmen who visit residents, there are other volunteer positions in the program. The ombudsman program was established by the Older American's Act to be a voice for residents in long-term care facilities, assuring that residents' rights are upheld. The program seeks to advocate for individual residents as well as inform the public regarding nursing home issues. Interested volunteers should call Jan McFerron, Regional Ombudsman Coordinator, SEMO Area Agency on Aging, at 335-3331 or (800) 392-8771.