When a loved one is placed in a nursing home, you want to make sure that they get the possible care. Sometimes you may find it necessary to alert the staff to a problem or issue that arises during care. But how do you know when something is really wrong? Something that can affect the safety of your loved one or other residents of the nursing facility.
Most complaints can be resolved by the staff and the director of the facility. But if the issue is too big or the facility isn’t taking the appropriate action, you can contact the Illinois long term ombudsman.
The Illinois long-term ombudsman is a group of advocates for residents receiving care in a long term facility. By investigating complaints filed by residents and their families, they ensure that the resident’s rights are being protected.
The state employs 42 full time long-term ombudsmen. They are required to visit every licensed assisted living, supportive living and nursing home in the state on a regular basis.
“Every state is required to have long-term care ombudsmen, “ says Sally Petrone. Ms. Petrone heads the Illinois ombudsman program. “The program also has 200 volunteers who help the ombudsmen by attending resident council meetings and visiting residents. The volunteers provide another regular presence in the building,” says Petrone.
Licensed facilities in Illinois are required to keep the contact information for the ombudsman in a prominent place so that residents can see it. They can also be reached online at www.state.il.us/aging.
According to Petrone, residents or their families filed approximately 5,700 complaints, statewide. The most common of these complaints were about staffing, service and even disputes between residents and their families. When they are contacted about more serious complaints that include neglect and abuse, the ombudsmen will contact police and Illinois Department of Public Health.
Families and residents are encouraged to contact the long-term ombudsman even if they aren’t sure whether or not they should. Most complaints are able to be resolved.
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