Omsbudsman experiences?

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I'm training to become a volunteer omsbudsman/ resident advocate. I'm really exited about doing this, but wanted to know what the omsbudsman looked like from the point of view of the nurses and staff? We are trained to advocate for the wants of the resident and not to take no for an answer, but I can think of all sorts of situations where residents can ask for things which are very difficult. Are they looked at favorably by staff as another voice for the residents- or as a pain in the behind?

I live in FL. Could you lead me to a website on the ombudsmen process in FL.? Thanks

What is an Ombudsman?

An ombudsman is a specially trained and certified volunteer, who has been approved by the governor. He/she has been given authority under federal and state law to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care facility residents. Ombudsmen respond to resident complaints and concerns ranging from lack of communication with staff to quality of care issues. It is the ombudsman?s job to protect the legal rights of residents, and assure that they receive appropriate treatment and quality care at the maximum extent possible.

Ombudsmen typically volunteer approximately 20 hours per month to protect residents' rights. Each year, they advocate for thousands of long-term care facility residents in Florida, and have won numerous awards for their tireless dedication and exemplary work with the elder community.

The program is comprised of 17 local councils, existing to serve residents in the most personal and effective way possible.

People of many personal and professional backgrounds lend their strengths to the program. We are continuously seeking conscientious individuals who want to make a difference.

I have been an ombusman for 8 years. It is my passion in life. I make a difference as a nurse but mostly as an ombudsman to so many resisdent in LTC.

Any questions feel free to email me. :nurse:

Be an Ombudsman, one smile lasts a lifetime in your heart.

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world."

Marti Ann Benenfeld, RN, FNC, ALA, LTC

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Council

North Miami Dade, FL

Nurse Consultant, Long Term Care

[email protected] or [email protected]

Assisted Living Administrator: Core Trained

Family Council Consultant

Research and Development nurse

Recognition Award 1998

Achievement Award 1998

Ombudsman of the Year: 2001

Ombudsman Chairwoman: 2003 - 2005

Governor's Golden Choice Award 2004

Award of Excellence 2004

Ombudsman 1997 to present

ADVICE FOR THE DAY:

Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home one day!

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When I worked LTC--the ombudsman seemed a little too close to the facilities administration. and she let them direct the patients care. I don't think she really made a difference.

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I was one before becoming a nurse. In my state you cannot be a nurse and an ombudsman at the same time. If I were to quit my job as a nurse I would have to wait 3 years before becoming eligible again. That said, I ran into quite a few cases where I made a difference. The ombud that comes to our facility is a pain in the a$$. She doesn't look at both sides of the story and takes the word of the resident's only. The problem being, of course, many of these resident's don't have a normal thought process and how they perceive the situation can be far removed from reality. :rotfl: :balloons: :uhoh3: :) :rolleyes: :stone :chuckle

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I live in FL. Could you lead me to a website on the ombudsmen process in FL.? Thanks

http://www.ltcombudsman.org/static_pages/help.cfm

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