Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsmen play a vital role in the protection of adults, especially those in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, adult care homes, and other residential care settings in North Carolina. Here’s how they contribute to adult protection:
Advocacy for Residents
LTC Ombudsmen advocate for the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities. They ensure that residents are treated with respect and dignity, receive appropriate care, and live in a safe and clean environment.
Investigation of Complaints
One of the main roles of an ombudsman is to investigate complaints made by or on behalf of residents. These complaints can range from issues of neglect, abuse (both physical and emotional), financial exploitation, or violations of rights.
Education
Ombudsmen provide information and guidance to residents, their families, and facility staff about residents’ rights and good care practices. They also educate the public and policymakers about long-term care issues.
Witnessing Documents
In North Carolina, LTC Ombudsmen may serve as witnesses for residents signing certain legal documents, like advance directives. This helps ensure that residents are making informed decisions without undue influence.
Regular Visits to Facilities
By regularly visiting long-term care facilities, ombudsmen establish a visible presence that can deter potential neglect or abuse. These visits also allow ombudsmen to build relationships with residents and staff, making it easier for residents to voice concerns.
Collaboration
LTC Ombudsmen collaborate with other agencies and organizations involved in adult protection, such as Adult Protective Services (APS), the Division of Health Service Regulation, and local law enforcement. They can refer cases when necessary and work together to address systemic issues. Due to federal confidentiality requirements, an ombudsman can’t make an APS report unless the resident or the resident’s legal representative gives explicit consent to disclose their identity, or the ombudsman has direct, firsthand knowledge of an incident of abuse, neglect or exploitation in a long-term care facility. North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services policy (p. 26 of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Manual) provides guidance to ombudsmen in situations where abuse or neglect is suspected and the resident or their legal representative refuses to provide the necessary consent.
Systemic Advocacy
Beyond individual complaints, ombudsmen identify patterns and trends in long-term care settings. They can then advocate for systemic changes at the local, state, or federal level, pushing for better regulations, policies, and practices that ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Confidentiality
The LTC Ombudsman program provides a confidential avenue for residents and their families to report concerns. This ensures that those who might be reluctant to come forward due to fear of retaliation have a safe way to voice their issues.
Empowerment
By informing residents of their rights and supporting them in voicing their concerns, ombudsmen empower residents to be their own advocates and stand up against neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
In summary, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in North Carolina plays a multi-faceted role in adult protection. LTC Ombudsmen not only serve as direct advocates for residents in long-term care facilities but also work on larger systemic issues, ensuring a safer and more dignified environment for some of North Carolina’s most vulnerable citizens.