Programs and Services For Seniors and Caregivers
Ombudsman Program - Stanislaus
The Ombudsman Program advocates for the quality of life and quality of care for residents in nursing homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, and assisted living facilities. We provide a presence in long term care facilities through regular unscheduled visits. We objectively investigate and resolve complaints or concerns made by, or on behalf of, individual residents in long-term care facilities. Catholic Charities Ombudsmen investigate elder abuse complaints in long-term care facilities and in residential care facilities for the elderly.
The Ombudsman serves as an:
- Advocate
- Investigator
- Problem Solver
- Mediator
- Observer
- Educator
- Broker among agencies
- Witness power of attorney for health care
- Witness property transfers between residents and staff
Ombudsmen recognize the tremendous responsibility they accept when working within the program. Acceptance of their certification involves a pledge to always act in the best interest of residents.
Simply put, our goal is to advocate for the rights of residents of long-term care facilities. We receive and resolve individual complaints and issues by, or on behalf of, these residents. We rely on public education and consensus building. Stanislaus County residents or their family members can file a complaint directly to the Catholic Charities Ombudsman or by calling the state CRISISline. All long-term care facilities are required to post, in a conspicuous location, the phone number for our local Ombudsman office 209-529-3784 and the State CRISISline number 1-800-231-4024. This CRISISline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive complaints from residents.
All Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs are community-supported programs that heavily rely on volunteers. The Ombudsman coordinator is a Catholic Charities employee who is responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising the volunteer Ombudsmen.
Funding for Catholic Charities’ Ombudsman Program is provided through several sources including a contract with the Stanislaus County Area Agency on Aging which is responsible for local oversight of Older American Act programs. Volunteer labor and donations are also critical components.
Ombudsman services are free to facility residents. Client confidentiality is a primary component in the Ombudsman Program. Only fully trained and certified volunteer or paid personnel will be assigned to facilities. New and continuing Ombudsmen must agree to screening which includes criminal background checks and fingerprinting.
Contact us for assistance with the following resident services:
- Questions or concerns about quality of care
- Questions or concerns about financial abuse
- Suspected physical, mental or emotional abuse of residents
- Witnessing services for Advance Health Care Directives
- Requesting an Ombudsman to attend a resident care plan meeting
- Requesting an Ombudsman to attend a resident or family council meeting
If you have questions or concerns call 529-3784
