On April 1, Options for Independence took on a new program through the New York State Long Term Care Ombudsmen Program (LTCOP). LTCOP advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and adult care facilities. Options has been designated to operate the LTCOP for Cayuga County. We are taking this program over from the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which has operated the program for the last five years, but is now redefining its mission.
Most residents receive great care in their long-term care facility but then there are those who do not receive the care they need or deserve. Too many residents are the victims of neglect and mental and physical abuse.
The role of the Ombudsmen is to provide a safe, effective environment for the resident to live in. Just because a resident lives in a long-term care facility does not mean that they have waived their right as a citizen. Each individual resident has the right to be treated with respect and dignity. Our goal is to assist in giving a voice to our aging populations and to provide a higher standard of care and living for those in our nursing homes and adult care facilities.
There are many reasons why residents do not routinely exercise their rights. Some residents may feel intimidated or may not even be aware of their rights in a nursing home. It is very rare when a resident can foster control over their own life or practice assertiveness skills. Some residents are aware of their rights but choose not to exercise them due to negative labeling, dependency on care and the lack of strength to challenge the offender. Often times, residents have emotional, mental and physical disabilities that restrain them from taking a stand.
LTCOP of Cayuga County provides volunteers with a chance to advocate within local facilities for residents' rights. Training opportunities are provided for those who want to volunteer and participate in LTCOP. After training, the volunteer becomes an official ombudsmen and can begin their work in a designated facility. The ombudsmen work with residents and staff to provide the highest level of care and resolve issues that residents may have. The ombudsmen should be active in the residential council and visit the facility every week. From cold coffee to health care proxies, an ombudsman advocates for the residents rights at all times.
Currently, Options for Independence is in the process of recruiting volunteers for LTCOP. If you are interested in advocating for the rights of residents, please contact me at Options for more information. The Long Term Care Ombudsmen Program is a great volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in changing the way residents live in long-term care facilities.
Thought of the week:
“...there are two ways to meet life; you may refuse to care until indifference becomes a habit, a defensive armor, and you are safe #- but bored. Or you can care greatly, and live greatly #- till life breaks you on its wheel.”
- Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence, located at 75 Genesee St., Auburn. She can
be reached at 255-3447.
The role of the Ombudsmen is to provide a safe, effective environment for the resident to live in. Just because a resident lives in a long-term care facility does not mean that they have waived their right as a citizen. Each individual resident has the right to be treated with respect and dignity. Our goal is to assist in giving a voice to our aging populations and to provide a higher standard of care and living for those in our nursing homes and adult care facilities.
There are many reasons why residents do not routinely exercise their rights. Some residents may feel intimidated or may not even be aware of their rights in a nursing home. It is very rare when a resident can foster control over their own life or practice assertiveness skills. Some residents are aware of their rights but choose not to exercise them due to negative labeling, dependency on care and the lack of strength to challenge the offender. Often times, residents have emotional, mental and physical disabilities that restrain them from taking a stand.
LTCOP of Cayuga County provides volunteers with a chance to advocate within local facilities for residents' rights. Training opportunities are provided for those who want to volunteer and participate in LTCOP. After training, the volunteer becomes an official ombudsmen and can begin their work in a designated facility. The ombudsmen work with residents and staff to provide the highest level of care and resolve issues that residents may have. The ombudsmen should be active in the residential council and visit the facility every week. From cold coffee to health care proxies, an ombudsman advocates for the residents rights at all times.
Currently, Options for Independence is in the process of recruiting volunteers for LTCOP. If you are interested in advocating for the rights of residents, please contact me at Options for more information. The Long Term Care Ombudsmen Program is a great volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in changing the way residents live in long-term care facilities.
Thought of the week:
“...there are two ways to meet life; you may refuse to care until indifference becomes a habit, a defensive armor, and you are safe #- but bored. Or you can care greatly, and live greatly #- till life breaks you on its wheel.”
- Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence, located at 75 Genesee St., Auburn. She can
be reached at 255-3447.
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