The ombudsman investigates and helps resolve complaints about care, rights, transfers and discharges in licensed nursing homes and residential care facilities, acting as an independent advocate for the resident, and only with the resident's consent.
How this actually works
The ombudsman's independence is the whole point of the role -- it is not part of the state licensing agency, and it is not affiliated with any facility. For our region, that office is Pro Seniors, Inc., based in Cincinnati and covering Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont and Clinton counties. Because the ombudsman acts only with resident consent, a family cannot force a complaint through on behalf of a parent who has capacity and doesn't want one pursued -- that decision belongs to the resident, even when it frustrates family members who see things differently.
Related questions
- Which office is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the Cincinnati area?
- What is the difference between the ombudsman and a facility licensing complaint?
- Can the ombudsman act on my behalf if my parent doesn't want a complaint pursued?
- Is there a fee to use the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program?
- Does the ombudsman handle in-home care complaints, or only facility residents?
