Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program promotes the interest, well-being, and rights of long-term care facility residents. The program was established under the Federal Older American's Act in the early 1970's and is primarily volunteer-based.
State Ombudsman – Louise Ryan discussing LTCO Program
Southwest Washington Region
The SW Washington Region has two offices, one in Longview and one in Vancouver, and covers Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties. The region covers over 5,559 sq miles and has over 350 long term care facilities.
What does an Ombudsman do?
- Conduct regular visits to residents living in long term care facilities.
- Advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities.
- Educate residents about their rights and empower them to become self-advocates.
- Work with residents, families, friends, providers and facility staff to meet the needs and concerns of residents.
- Receive and investigate complaints made by or on behalf of a resident and work to resolve the issue at the lowest level possible.
- Monitor laws, regulations and policies which affect residents living in long term care facilities.
- Provide information to residents and the community at large on resident rights, laws and regulations as they pertain to long term care facilities.
- Assist in the development and participate in resident councils and family support groups.
Resident Rights
Residents in long term care facilities are guaranteed certain rights by federal and state laws. Residents should expect to live in a safe, clean, comfortable, and home-like environment and to live in a manner that promotes each resident’s quality of life. Residents can expect:
- To be informed of their rights, the rules and policies of the facility, and to be told of all services available and all costs, including those charges covered or not included in the basic rate.
- To be informed of their health condition, to participate in and determine their own plan of care including the refusal of any treatment, and to have their personal and medical records treated as confidential.
- To be transferred or discharged only after written notice is given and only for increased medical needs, safety, or non-payment.
- To be encouraged to exercise their rights as a resident and citizen to complain and suggest without fear of coercion or retaliation.
- To manage their financial affairs, or if this is delegated, to receive regular accounting.
- To be free of mental and physical abuse and of chemical and physical restraints.
- To participate in social, religious and community activities, as possible.
- To have their own clothing and possessions and be allowed to use them as space permits.
- To have privacy for visits and telephone calls, and to send and receive personal mail unopened.
Become a Certified Long Term Care Ombudsman Volunteer
If you have a genuine care and concern for older adults and people with disabilities; are a good listener, problem solver and willing to advocate for others, then you may enjoy being a Volunteer Ombudsman. Volunteers must be willing to:
- make a commitment to the program of four hours a week for a period of one year
- complete a 32-hour certification course
- pass mandatory background checks
- attend monthly in-service meetings
- submit monthly activity reports and write-ups of complaint investigations
- provide own transportation
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact one of our offices for more information and to request an application packet.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Contact Information
State Office
1200 South 336th Street
P.O. Box 23699
Federal Way, WA 98093
Phone: 1-800-562-6028
Regional Offices
Cheryl Cody, Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman
7732 NE Hazel Dell Ave
P.O. Box 65216
Vancouver, WA 98665
Phone: 360-694-9007
Email: cherylc@lowercolumbiacap.org
Teresa Sadler, Assistant Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman
1526 Commerce Ave
Longview, WA 98632
Phone: 360-425-3430 ext. 204
Email: teresas@lowercolumbiacap.org
Long Term Care Resources on the Web
Steps to Choosing Long Term Care
Information and Publications on Long Term Care
Long Term Care Options and Adult Family Home, Boarding Home (Assisted Living), Nursing Home Locators
Compare Nursing Homes in your Area
Choosing a Boarding Home or Adult Family Home
Specialized Dementia Care Program in Boarding Homes
Boarding Home Medicaid Service Packages
Find your local Medicaid office
Legal Planning
Aging/Elder Law Resources
Washington State Resident Rights Laws for Boarding Homes (Assisted Living)
Washington State Resident Rights Laws for Nursing Home Residents
Federal Resident Rights Laws for Nursing Home Residents
Federal Laws for Nursing Homes
Washington State Nursing Home Regulations
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-97
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-110-100
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.51
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 74.42
Washington State Boarding Home (Assisted Living) Regulations
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-78A
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.20
Washington State Adult Family Home Regulations
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-76
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70.128