Long-term Care Ombudsman

What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are trained volunteers assigned to specific long-term care facilities, where they spend quality time getting to know the needs of residents. Ombudsmen form bonds with residents and work to resolve concerns about care before they become crises.

These valuable volunteers champion resident rights and act as liaisons between facility staff and residents. They also provide a vital link between residents and the outside world.

The goals of MARC's Ombudsman Program are:

  • To improve the quality of care for long-term care residents.
  • To educate families, facility staff, and residents in long-term care facilities about their rights.
  • To increase community awareness and involvement in long-term care issues.

Could a Long-Term Care Ombudsman help you?

The MARC Long-Term Care Ombudsman program serves Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte, and Ray Counties in Missouri. This region includes nearly 170 skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living retirement communities which respond to the needs of thousands of residents.

Additionally, the staff members of MARC’s LTC Ombudsman Program are available to assist with decisions about long-term care placement. We maintain information about area facilities and can help you work through this major transition for yourself or your loved ones.

For more information, call 816-421-4980.

Would you like to be a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

Ombudsman volunteers are a special group of people. They strive to learn while educating, to give while receiving, and to build relationships while tearing down barriers to good care.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult and lonely time for older adults in long-term care facilities. Now, more than ever, they need someone checking on their well-being and speaking up on their behalf. If you’re interested in becoming a Long-Term Care Ombudsman, we provide online training that will teach you how to safely visit a care facility and advocate for older adults. 

Ombudsmen learn many things — communication skills, state and federal regulations, ethics, complaint handling, mediation, problem-solving and observation skills.

Be the voice — speak for those who can't. Be a Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Call 816-421-4980 to learn more.