To most, the word “ombudsman” looks like beginning letters in a game of scrabble. I suppose you could randomly draw those letters, but the real meaning of the word has a lot to do with what we do here at Options.

An ombudsman is somebody who advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and adult care facilities.

The sad reality of facilities is that sometimes residents do not feel comfortable voicing their concerns to staff and administration. This can lead to long-term unhappiness as well as depression.

The ombudsman is there to be a bridge of communication between residents and the facilities in which they live.

If a resident would rather stay up late and not get up early in the morning, but doesn't know how to stand up for their rights, then they can go to the ombudsman. It can be something as simple as a resident being woken regularly as the cleaning crew comes through to mop. The ombudsman is a resource to help residents be heard.

Certified Ombudsmen are also there if the resident's concerns are more serious.

If a resident, or a resident's family, is concerned about an unsafe condition, the Ombudsman is ready to protect the residents. They are the main link between residents and the government resources that are available to investigate and resolve any issues that may arise.

Ombudsmen are volunteers. Here at Options, we help people get involved in this great volunteer opportunity. To ensure that volunteer ombudsmen are competent and ready to do this important job, they must undergo an intensive training. Our ombudsman coordinator, Andrea Stratton, is certified to give training classes that allow someone to become a volunteer ombudsman.

To become a volunteer ombudsmen, you must complete 36 hours of training. In the training you learn about resident's legal rights and how to deal with a complaint that is brought to your attention. You are also taught about the aging process and how to communicate with the elderly so that you can effectively be an advocate.

Upon completion, volunteers will be given a certificate and become a certified ombudsman volunteer for the New York Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

A typical week for an ombudsman consists of four hours spent at a facility. Most of this time is spent talking to residents, getting to know them and making sure that their rights are being respected.

As our population ages here in Cayuga County, there is a growing need for dedicated people to step up and volunteer. The Volunteer Ombudsman Program is a great way to give back to the community and make a serious difference in our community.

If you are interested in the Volunteer Ombudsman Program or want more information, you can contact Andrea Stratton at Options at 255-3447.

Collin M. Sullivan is the ADA access advocate for Options for Independence. He may be reached at 255-3447.