Module 1 - History and Role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

This module provides basic information about the purpose, history and unique aspects of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

Learning Objectives : At the conclusion of this module individuals will know:

Why the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) was developed;
The primary responsibilities of the long-term care ombudsman (LTCO); and
The unique aspects of the LTCOP.

Duration: 2 hours

If you are having trouble viewing the module, click here for some technical tips.

SECTION 1: How the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program Began

This section discusses the precipitating events, genesis and formative intent and structure of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The program's rich history has guided its implementation on the national level and within each state. To fully understand the program and to be effective as long-term care ombudsmen, a knowledge of the program's history, legal basis and development is essential.

Click here to read about how the long-term care ombudsman program began.

Video: Advocate For Resident's Rights

Watch the following video and use your own words to briefly describe what you learned regarding the following points:

1. The Role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO)

2. The Purpose of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)

3. Five skills ombudsman need

4. Characteristics of the LTCO

To start the video, click on the white play button in the middle. This video is 16 minutes long. You can stop and start it at your own pace.

Here is a brief guide to the frequently used acronyms in the training material:

AoA - Administration on Aging

ACL - Administration for Community Living

CMS – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

LTCC – Long-Term Care

LTCO – Long-Term Care Ombudsman

LTCOP – Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

NCCNHR – National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (now the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, or the “Consumer Voice”).

NORC – National Ombudsman Resource Center

OAA - Older Americans Act

Regs – Regulations

SLTCO – State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

SLTCOP – State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

SECTION 2: The LTCOP Under the Older Americans Act

This section details the responsibilities, structure and approach of the LTCOP under the Older Americans Act, as well as the status of the current LTCOP.

Video: The Why and What of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

To start the video, click on the white play button in the middle. This video is 1 hour and 16 minutes long. You can stop and start it at your own pace.

Review the history and roles of the Ombudsman Program by clicking through the PowerPoint presentation below:

SECTION 3: Unique Aspects of the LTCOP

This section details the aspects of the LTCOP that set it apart from other programs and from other employee roles in the long-term care system. Because these aspects are frequently sources of misunderstanding and tension when long-term care ombudsmen interact with others, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of the LTCO role based on the Older Americans Act.

Video: Listen to Ombudsman program representative and residents talk about the Ombudsman Program in the following video:

Review the unique characteristics of the Ombudsman program by clicking through the Power Point presentation below:

SECTION 4: Accountability

This section describes the ways in which long-term care ombudsman programs have been evaluated and held accountable to its Older Americans Act responsibilities.

Click on the download button on the window below to learn more.

Review the code of ethics of the Ombudsman Program by clicking through the PowerPoint presentation below:

SECTION 5: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Associations

There are two national membership associations for LTCO. Several states also have statewide associations of local LTCOPs.

The National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs was organized in 1985 and is a not-for-profit association. Its members are SLTCO . Its mission statement says, “ NASOP is dedicated to improving the quality of life and quality of care of long-term care consumers through strong, effective state ombudsman programs.”
The National Association of Local Long-Term Care Ombudsmen (NALLTCO) adopted By-Laws in 1996 following many years of informal meetings. Its membership consists of local LTCO. Its purpose is:

“To organize and provide a common voice for local long-term care ombudsmen for the advancement of their mutual objective of providing for their professional development, insuring the integrity of local programs and their ability to effectively advocate for long-term care residents; the exchange and sharing of information, opportunities and resources available through the Administration on Aging as well as other organizations; the mutual sharing of information, ideas and experiences among local ombudsmen’s staff; and providing information to policy makers on legislation and regulations impacting local ombudsman program and long- term care residents.”