Ombudsmen Are Here to Help

Courtesy of texas HealtH and Human serviCes

A long-term care ombudsman helps nursing home residents with their rights. Living in a nursing home doesn’t mean giving up your freedom. If you feel someone is violating your rights, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s long-term care ombudsman can help.

Nursing home residents have the same rights and protections of their health, safety and welfare that we all share. For nursing home residents these rights include the right to vote, voice complaints, exercise personal choice, the opportunity to make medical and social decisions, visit with anyone you wish and to be lawfully discharged and leave the facility.

When it comes to discharges, one of the biggest problems people face is losing their spot in their nursing home when they have to go to the hospital. This practice, known as “patient dumping,” is among the top five frequent complaints Patty Ducayet, Texas long-term care ombudsman, sees.

The long-term care ombudsman will make sure you know your rights, including your right to appeal and return to your nursing home after a hospital stay and can represent you during that appeal.

While telling your nursing home’s management is often the best and quickest way to make sure your complaint is addressed, Texas Health and Human Services Commission stands by ready to help if needed.

“An ombudsman can help bring the resident’s concerns to management and offer ideas to address the concern,” Ducayet said. “An ombudsman can give everyone information about the nursing facility’s requirements about residents’ rights and will tell the resident about the option to report a complaint to HHSC Long-Term Care Regulatory Services.” For more information on the Ombudsman in your area: 800–252–2412 hhs.texas.gov (search for ombudsman)