Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is looking for people to become certified volunteers and help protect the rights of residents in long-term care facilities.
The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an independent state agency created to represent the interests of older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care, such as nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, adult foster care homes, and memory care settings.
In Oregon, there are more than 1,000 cases of elder abuse in licensed long-term care settings annually. Right now, long-term care facilities have only 48% volunteer coverage, which means many people across the entire state need advocates.
Though the coronavirus pandemic has made approaches different, certified Ombudsmen have continued to support those living in long-term care, keeping in touch with residents and staff, and utilizing available resources to solve problems.
“In this unprecedented crisis, we want residents to know they have someone to call on,” said Fred Steele, Director and Oregon’s State Long Term Care Ombudsman in an article on MyOregonNews. “We can only advocate for someone or something if we know about it. Even if we can’t be there in person, we can investigate and work to resolve issues.”
LTCO will soon be offering live and interactive training on Zoom in January and March for community members wishing to get involved.
If you wish to participate in the training, you must submit an application, and after references and Criminal Records are checked, you will have an interview. Keep in mind, though, that volunteers are expected to commit for at least a year after they are finished with their training.
Qualities that make a good volunteer include good communication skills, conflict management, determination, and a heart for others. Responsibilities will include talking to residents about concerns, investigating concerns, and then helping resolve issues.
If you want to learn more or report a concern, call 1-800-522-2602, or visit their website at www.oltco.org. If you want to apply, fill out this form. For more information, call or email Fred Steele at 1-800-522-2602 or fred.steele@oregon.gov.
By: Hannah Ramsey
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