Ombudsman - Volunteers


4015 Greenwood Rd Shreveport, LA 71109		1 (318) 632-2090 1 (800) 256-3003

VOLUNTEERS ARE IMPORTANT TO OUR PROGRAM

Residents of long-term care facilities sometimes have little or no contact with the outside world. Many feel they lack control over their lives. A friendly volunteer who visits regularly can be a bright spot in an elderly resident's day. Many residents are alone, and would be very happy to have your visits. This may also help ensure they get good care if someone from the community is looking in on them regularly. The Louisiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has two volunteer positions: Long-Term Care Visitor and Certified Ombudsman.

Long-Term Care Visitor

Long-Term Care Visitors play an important role in the Ombudsman program by:

Visiting weekly with residents on a "friendly" basis

Referring problems residents need help with to a certified ombudsman

Helping residents understand their rights

Raising public awareness about the Ombudsman Program These volunteers initially complete six to eight hours of training and complete another 6 hours annually.

Certified Ombudsman

Certified Ombudsmen have greater authority and responsibility than Long-Term Care Visitors. They:

Investigate and resolve problems

Regularly visit one or more nursing homes

Keep records and report the results of their work

Improve skills by participating in an on going training program

Ombudsmen attend a four-day training session followed by a 12-hour internship in a facility prior to receiving certification.

How To Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering with the Ombudsman Program, please contact your local ombudsman coordinator.

Mira Walton, Ombudsman Coordinator
Caddo Council on Aging
(318) 632-2090
1-800-256-3003