The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a non-profit agency whose mission is to advocate for quality of life and care for long term care consumers. Federal law and Maine law authorize our staff to investigate complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care consumers and to assist consumers in exercising their rights that are guaranteed by law.

Volunteer Ombudsman Representatives are advocates who provide a voice for the concerns of long-term care residents who are living in a nursing home, residential care or assisted living

Some volunteer activities include:

• Visit residents in long-term care settings (nursing home, residential care, assisted living).

• Educate residents and staff about resident rights.

• Engage in conversation with residents to learn about problems or concerns.

• Seek resident permission to address problems or concerns regarding quality of life.

• Additional opportunity to become an in-service trainer to provide education on resident rights and mandatory reporting to staff in nursing homes, residential care and assisted living.
  
  

Advocacy Mission of the Volunteer Ombudsman Representative

Volunteer Ombudsman Representatives ensure that:

• All long-term care residents have the highest quality of life.

• Each resident is able to fully exercise his or her rights as a resident of a long-term care home.

• Staff fully respects the choices, values and dignity of each individual.