Long Term Care Ombudsman, Office of the

The Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman has operated for 30 years with the mission to enhance the quality of life, improve the level of care, protect individual rights and promote the dignity of each Oregon citizen who is residing in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home, residential care facility, assisted living facility or adult foster home. In the last several years, this mission has expanded to include programs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health concerns living in licensed care settings such as residential treatment facilities, 24-hour group homes and foster care homes.

The agency identifies, investigates and resolves complaints on behalf of residents using a network of trained and certified volunteer ombudsmen. In addition, it monitors the complex long-term and residential care systems which, in addition to facilities, include a number of state and local agencies. The ombudsman makes recommendations to the Legislature and the governor on long-term and residential care issues. The agency establishes productive relationships with senior organizations, disability and mental health organizations, advocacy groups and cooperative associations that impact the lives of long-term and residential care residents.