OMBUDSMAN: A hearty thanks

I can say thank you a hundred times to Mike Patrick, managing editor of The Press, but sometimes it just needs to be in print for others to see. So, thank you, Mike, for being so accommodating and caring. You are doing a great service for the vulnerable residents living in long-term care.

I’m an ombudsman, an advocate for people living in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Each year I’m in charge of recruiting and training volunteers for the Ombudsman Program. The ombudsmen are the front line when it comes to problem-solving for vulnerable residents living in long-term care. Well-trained volunteers are an essential part of the program.

Mike Patrick has been instrumental in making sure my recruitment articles are in print. I start writing the articles in May, at least one a month right up to September when I train the new volunteers… mostly retirees who read the articles and sign up. The articles are, by far, the most successful avenue of reaching prospective volunteers.

Each volunteer has 40 hours of initial training, one day a week for seven weeks, and each is mentored in the months following. Our current volunteers are doing a great job of protecting resident rights, quality of care and quality of life. We welcome new volunteers to our team. For more information, please contact me at 667-3179 or jnoyes@aaani.org.

You are appreciated, Mike. Your contribution to the Ombudsman Program is making a difference in people’s lives.

JAN NOYES

Ombudsman