Long Term Care Ombudsman
Possibly the best way to get your questions answered is by talking to an Ombudsman. The county you live in determines who your Ombudsman is.
Here you can view a list displaying location specific information for an Ombudsman near you.
Report personal rights violations
If you aware of an individual who resides in a nursing home or assisted living, that are dealing with a violation of their personal rights. Please report.
The long-term care ombudsman will initiate an investigation within 3 business days.
Resident's rights
Anyone (residents, relatives, friends or even the staff of a facility) may initiate a complaint on behalf of the resident. Often residents are unable to do it themselves. Only as mutually agreed upon, between the ombudsman and the resident or his/her legal representative, the ombudsman will make every reasonable effort to assist, represent and intervene on behalf of the resident.
Services are provided to persons:
- Without regard for income and resources
- As requested by an individual or on behalf of an individual
- Available to a person attempting to enter a facility
Nursing home rights
If you are a resident or have a loved one in a nursing home, the link below can provide information highlighting your rights.
Understanding nursing home transfer and discharge requirements in Utah
Nursing home transfers/discharges, particularly when involuntary, can have serious negative effects on residents. Many residents experience transfer trauma, also known as relocation stress syndrome.
Since transfers/discharges can have a devastating impact on residents, it is important that they be prevented if at all possible, and carried out appropriately, safely, and carefully when they do occur. To that end, providers, ombudsmen, and other stakeholders charged with following, enforcing, or advocating for residents under the rules need to fully understand the requirements and guidance around transfer and discharge.
The following resources were developed by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, in coordination with the Utah Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, to assist long-term care providers, ombudsmen, consumers, and other stakeholders in comprehending federal and state requirements around transfer and discharge rights and responsibilities.
Ombudsman program overview
The heart of the Long Term Care Ombudsmen Program is the team of certified Ombudsmen who are empowered to resolve issues surrounding the care and quality of life for people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen are there to represent the residents' interests. It is the residents' desires and needs that are considered and acted upon.
Being an Ombudsman is an important responsibility that is taken on with great care and professionalism. In Utah, Ombudsmen are certified only after receiving extensive training.
Code of ethics
As an ombudsman:
- Participate in efforts to maintain and promote the integrity of the long-term care Ombudsman program.
- Act in accordance with its standards and procedures.
- Recognize the boundaries of my own level of training and skills and consult with an Ombudsman supervisor when needed.
- Provide services with respect for human dignity and the individuality of the resident unrestricted by considerations of age, social or economic status, personal characteristics, sexual orientation or lifestyle.
- Respect and promote residents’ rights of self-determination, making every reasonable effort to act in accordance with residents’ wishes.
- Continually safeguard the confidentiality of residents and not divulge any information unless an immediate life-threatening situation overrides this discretion.
- Participate in efforts to promote a quality long-term care system.
- Avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of conflict of interest (including gain) in the provision of ombudsman services within nursing or assisted living homes
You can volunteer
Are you interested in using your time and talents to serve as an advocate for nursing home and adult care facility residents? The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is looking for volunteers to serve as certified Ombudsmen to improve the quality of care and quality of life to residents living in long term care facilities.
Certified Ombudsman not only visit residents, investigate and resolve complaints, but also use their skills to advocate for the rights of residents in nursing homes and other long term care facilities. The dual focus of quality of care and quality of life enables the volunteers to assure that residents are cared for appropriately.
Volunteers serve as a voice for residents of nursing homes and assisted living centers. Certified Ombudsmen are indispensable in ensuring that all facilities meet mandated, legal standards for every person requiring long term care.
