Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
of Sonoma County
Prevention, Education, Advocacy
The Ombudsman Program staff and state certified Ombudsman volunteers are authorized by federal and state law to visit nursing homes, residential care and assisted living facilities to ensure that residents' rights are protected and that they are treated with dignity and are receiving quality care.
Ombudsman are trained advocates, educated in the needs, rights and issues of residents living in long-term care facilities. They are knowledgeable in the state and federal regulations governing long-term care facilities.
Ombudsmen:
Make unannounced regular visits to licensed long-term care facilities to
talk with residents about their needs and concerns.
Investigate and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents
involving any concerns they may have, including allegations of physical abuse,
financial exploitation, inadequate nursing care, and scores of other problems.
Act to improve conditions in facilities by working to resolve adverse conditions
raised by resident complaints or identified by Ombudsmen visits
Provide information on and witnessing of Advanced Health Care Directives.
Are available to provide training to long-term care staff and educational
presentations to community organizations.
No question or problem is too small
Ombudsmen take every concern expressed by residents or families seriously. From cold food, unanswered call bells, short staffing to outright neglect and abuse all affect qualify of life and care of the resident and the Ombudsman is there to help ensure the everyone is treated with dignity and given the highest quality of care possible.
How to contact the Ombudsman
All complaints are confidential. All licensed skilled nursing facility and residential care and assisted living facility are required by law to prominently display the Ombudsman poster listing contact numbers and services.
Call 707-526-4108 or (800) 231-4024. There is no waiting list or fee for services. Emergency calls are referred to appropriate resources for action 24 hours a day. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is governed by the federal Older American's Act and by California State Law. The State Health and Welfare Agency, Department of Aging administers the statewide Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program throughout the state. For Ombudsman Programs in other areas of California or the United States call (800) 231-4024. The Sonoma County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is administered by Senior Advocacy Services and funded with federal, state and local private and public support.
Senior Advocacy Services, Ombudsman Program
3262 Airway Drive, Suite C
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-526-4108 or (800) 231-4024