By Federal Law, every nursing home receiving funds from Medicare or Medicaid is required to have a Long Term Care Ombudsman assigned to the facility. The Ombudsman Program was started during the Nixon Administration when it was acknowledged that residents need a voice. Each State has a Long Term Care Ombudsman, who has both paid and volunteer employees. Each facility is required by law to display prominently information about how to reach the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is NOT affiliated with any facility and the services are free to any resident, family member or member of the public. Often the Ombudsman is able to negotiate a solution to issues arising in the day-to-day life of residents. Sometimes residents and families are fearful of retaliation if they discuss issues with the Ombudsman. This DOES happen, but residents and families are much more protected and empowered if they bring the Ombudsman into their problem solving. Many times just the fact that the Ombudsman is aware of a situation will discourage poor care or lack of dignity and respect. The confidentiality of information shared with the Ombudsman is a sacred tenant of the Program. Only with permission does the Ombudsman share information entrusted to them. It is better if the Ombudsman is permitted to identify the resident or family member when trying to negotiate a solution, but it is not required. Many times if one resident or family members complains of an issue, there will be others who are also experiencing this and the Ombudsman can go to the Administrator or Director of Nursing and explain that “many residents” are having this issue without naming names. Don’t make the mistake of being intimidated by staff into not reaching out to your Ombudsman. Questions? Comments?