Pueblo Long-Term Ombudsman Program

S•S COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES

What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

The Pueblo Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of skilled nursing homes, and licensed assisted living residences. The authority of the long-term care ombudsman program comes from the Older Americans Act, as well as from the Older Coloradans Act. The primary purpose of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is to promote and protect the residents’ rights guaranteed these residents under federal and state law.

We achieve this mission with a network of local offices across the state, which recruit, train, and manage teams of certified ombudsmen. Staff and volunteer ombudsmen visit long-term care facilities throughout the state to ensure residents’ rights are being upheld.

Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are trained to receive complaints and resolve problems in situations involving quality of care, use of restraints, transfer and discharge, abuse, and other aspects of resident dignity and rights. Ombudsman services are free, confidential and resident directed.

Who Can Use the Ombudsman Program?

n Residents of skilled nursing homes and licensed assisted living residences n Relatives and friends of residents

Pueblo Long-Term Ombudsman Program in licensed long-term care facilities such as Assisted Living residences or licensed residential group homes n Any group or individual concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities n Anyone can call the Ombudsman Program at 303-862-3524

Some Reasons Why People Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

n Violations of rights — privacy issues, loss of dignity issues, poor staff attitudes, emotional and verbal abuse, etc. n Problems with transfers and discharges — improperly discharged, service fees not disclosed, refused readmission, Medicaid discrimination, etc. n Problems with care — call lights not being answered, problems with receiving medications, poor hygiene, etc.

Ombudsman Contact Information:

Rebecca Marquez Phone: 719-583-6123 Email: rmarquez@srda.org ~ Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Tara Morrow, SRDA Deputy Director. For more information, contact the SRDA Active Adult Center at 719554-8900. See ad on page 47.

The mission of SRDA is to provide programs and projects that enhance the quality of life for the community of Southern Colorado. SRDA provides opportunities for intergenerational programs and develops the resources which enables seniors to live independently.

SRDA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and private donations are accepted through our website at www.srda.org S•S COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES

SENIOR ORGANIZATIONS &

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Long Term Care Ombudsman

230 N Union, Pueblo 81003 719-545-8900 Ombudsman advocate for the specific rights of residents of long-term care facilities according to government regulations.

Pueblo Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

320 W 10th, Ste 207, Pueblo 81003 719-583-6120 Assists seniors in leading independent lives through local agencies that provide direct services of all kinds, including home care, transportation, financial assistance, etc.

Pueblo Step Up

1925 E Orman Ave, Pueblo 81004 719-557-5886

Sage Generation

719-530-1022 Provides resources so that seniors can thrive in the living situation of their choice. We welcome you to check out our flagship programs: Advanced Care Planning Project, Home Share Program, and Senior Living Campus

Senior Reach / Axis Health (seniorreach.org)

970-335-2217 Provides support for the well-being, independence, and dignity of older adults through community, education, mental health services and connection to local resources.

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