ELDERS: Angels needed to help

“You’re my angel,” Catherine exclaims. “I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know what to do and now I have you to help me.”

Catherine, 83 and in a wheelchair, has an unsolved problem with the skilled nursing facility where she lives. She says she doesn’t get her pain medication on time. She’s complained but it’s still late. The ombudsman is there to visit and help her solve her problem.

The long-term care ombudsman is an advocate for residents of assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. The ombudsmen visit residents, observe the environment and help solve problems that may arise. They are the voices for the residents who can’t or don’t speak up for themselves when something goes wrong. Sometimes residents speak up and nothing changes.

In Catherine’s case, the ombudsman spoke to the administrator and the nurse about Catherine’s problem and reminds them of Catherine’s right to appropriate care. When the ombudsman checks back with Catherine in a few days, the meds are being delivered on time.

Most facilities try to do a good job of caring for those vulnerable elders who can no longer live alone. But, as anyone knows who has had a loved one in a facility, things can and do go wrong. Anyone can call an ombudsman with concerns — residents, family members, friends, even the facilities. Ombudsmen are available to make sure residents’ rights are protected and that the quality of care they signed up for is given.

The ombudsman program has been around since the ‘70s but it’s been only about four years that the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho has actively recruited volunteer ombudsmen. There are more facilities than volunteers so there are always more volunteers needed.

The next volunteer training in Coeur d’Alene starts Sept. 7 and ends Oct. 19. Seven weeks, every Tuesday from 9 to 3. By the time the training ends, the volunteers are ready to visit and help residents solve problems. Their presence in a facility makes a positive difference and certainly can make a difference in the quality of a resident’s life. To find out more about the program and how you can become a volunteer, please contact me.

I also have a 20-minute presentation about the Ombudsman Program and Resident Rights. If your association or organization members would benefit from the information, please call.

JAN NOYES

Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho

667-3179 ext. 243