Help Florida Seniors, Become an Ombudsman

Florida’s senior citizens have earned dignity, love and support. Unfortunately, some seniors who live in long-term care facilities experience inadequate care that jeopardizes their health and quality of life. Often afraid or unable to advocate for themselves, these seniors need an advocate-someone to be a voice for the voiceless. What they need is an ombudsman.What is an Ombudsman?An ombudsman is a person who investigates and attempts to resolve complaints and problems. Our ombudsmen are advocates for people who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.What sets us apart is that our sole focus is on the resident. Where other groups are bound by regulations, we can get creative. We can be consistent. We can visit as often as we like and build impactful relationships that get real results.What are the requirements? People of all backgrounds are welcome to volunteer.The ideal ombudsman:is, above all, compassionatehas good communication skills, tenacity, and a desire to help otherscan complete 17 hours of online training plus site visits before beginningcan pass a Level 2 background checkis willing to volunteer 15 to 20 hours a monthAlthough we work alone, ombudsmen meet monthly to share insights, craft solutions for each other’s tough cases and recognize just how much we are all fighting the same fight.Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000850-414-2323 or toll-free 1-888-831-0404