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Elderly Couple Contract

What is an Ombudsman?

An ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights. An ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf of Nursing and Adult Care Home residents. Ombudsmen can work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies. The goal of the Ombudsman Program is to enhance residents’ quality of care and quality of life.

Regional
Ombudsman

An Ombudsman Can:

  • Advocate for you when your legal rights have been violated or you are not receiving proper care or assistance.

  • Investigate concerns that you or your family may have about residents’ rights, services and benefits.

  • Mediate disputes that you or your family may have with the facility.

  • Provide information and assistance to you, your family members, and staff members in areas including: care planning, family and resident councils, resident transfer and discharge, long-term care placement.

  • Promote elder-abuse awareness within the community.

  • Monitor long-term care facilities to ensure that your rights are not being violated.

  • Educate the public on long-term care issues and promote increased community involvement in long-term care facilities.

HOW TO CHOOSE A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY

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Choosing a long term care facility can be a difficult decision, especially when considering care needs, cost, location and preferences. For assistance, click one of the links below based on the level of care required. There, you will find guidance on how to choose the appropriate long term care setting for your loved one.

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LONG-TERM CARE BILL OF RIGHTS

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You can access https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/state-operated-healthcare-facilities/patientsresidents-rights for a copy of the condensed Resident’s Rights. Note there are two separate bill of rights that are specific to the level of care; one for nursing homes and one for adult care/family care homes.

If you have questions or need further long term care selection assistance, please contact:


Shontelia L. Sowers, BSW, MSHCA | Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman
​Phone: 910-775-9761 | Email:  ss@lrcog.org

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