Essential Advocacy Resources

Your Voice in
Long-Term Care.

A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a confidential advocate for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities. We ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.

Report Abuse to a Lawyer arrow_forward

State Directorykeyboard_arrow_down

Access Your Local Ombudsman

Ombudsman services are administered at the state and regional levels. Select your state to open the official program website in a new tab.

Select Your State

expand_more

What exactly is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program. These programs are designed to address the challenges faced by residents of long-term care facilities.

Ombudsmen are trained professionals or volunteers who identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents. Their services are confidential and free of charge.

Core Responsibilities

verified_user
Resident Rights Protection
Ensuring dignity, privacy, and self-determination for every individual.
forum
Confidential Consultation
Providing a safe space to discuss concerns without fear of retaliation.
policy
Systemic Advocacy
Influencing laws and regulations to improve the quality of care statewide.

Empowering Residents

Three pillars of the Ombudsman program mission.

search_check

Investigate Complaints

We objectively investigate concerns ranging from quality of care and physical environment to administrative issues and resident rights violations.

campaign

Advocate for Residents

An ombudsman works to empower residents to resolve their own issues when possible, or acts as their direct voice when they cannot speak for themselves.

school

Educate & Empower

We provide information to residents and families about long-term care options, selection criteria, and how to maintain the highest quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?expand_more

A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a trained advocate — paid staff or certified volunteer — who works to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities. Ombudsman services are confidential and free of charge.

Are Ombudsman services really free and confidential?expand_more

Yes. Ombudsman services are provided at no cost to residents or families. By statute, Ombudsmen maintain confidentiality and only disclose a resident’s identity with that resident’s consent. The point of the program is to give residents a safe channel to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

Who oversees the Ombudsman program?expand_more

Each state runs its own Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program under the federal Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. § 3058g). Day-to-day administration is handled at the state or regional level, which is why residents and families should contact the program serving the facility’s location.

What kinds of complaints can an Ombudsman handle?expand_more

Ombudsmen handle concerns about quality of care, physical environment, dignity and rights, billing and discharge, medication issues, staffing, and residents’ ability to make their own decisions. They can also advocate for systemic changes when patterns of harm appear.

Should I call an Ombudsman or a lawyer?expand_more

They serve different purposes and you can do both. An Ombudsman is the right first call when the goal is to resolve a care issue inside the facility quickly and confidentially. A nursing home abuse attorney is the right call when serious harm has already occurred and you want to evaluate civil legal options for accountability and compensation.

How do I find my state’s Ombudsman?expand_more

Use the interactive map or state list above to open your state’s official Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program website. Each state publishes contact information for its program and any regional sub-offices.

Need Legal Help Beyond Advocacy?

If your loved one has suffered from serious neglect or abuse, an ombudsman can help resolve immediate care issues, but they cannot provide legal representation. Our team of experienced attorneys can help you pursue accountability.

call(833) 236-8253

mailhelp@nursinghomecomplaint.org

Free Case Review

Tell us about your situation. Our consultation is always 100% free and confidential.