Ombudsman - Long Term Care
The Ombudsman Program provides a number of critical services. Ombudsman act as the eyes and ears for residents in long-term care facilities such as Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities or Licensed Board and Care homes. Ombudsman encourage access to advocacy by informing residents of what kind of care to expect, by providing a mechanism to file a complaint, and by guiding residents through the process of advocating on their own behalf.
The Ombudsman Program investigates reports of abuse and neglect of older adults and dependent adults residing in long term care facilities.
There is no income eligibility
An ombudsman can help with the following concerns about the quality of care provided to residents in long-term care facilities:
- Resident right issues.
- Physical abuse and neglect.
- Dietary concerns.
- Financial issues (billing concerns, benefits, financial exploitation).
- Concerns about physical or chemical restraints.
- Transfer and discharge issues.
- Privacy and confidentiality.
- Witnessing of Advance Directives in Skilled Nursing Facilities.
- Supporting resident and family councils.
For more information, or if you have a concern or need to report abuse, call (209) 468-3785 or Ombudsman Crisis Line (800) 231-4024.
Call 209-468-3785 to complete a referral by phone or download and complete a
Report of Suspected Elder and Dependent Abuse (SOC 341).
Submit by fax 209-932-2641
Email: SJCombudsman@sjgov.org
Or mail to; San Joaquin County Human Services Agency
ATTN: Dept of Aging, LTC Ombudsman
PO Box 201056, Stockton CA 95201.
Finding a Facility
Skilled Nursing Facilities are Licensed by the California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification 1-916-263-5800. Search for facilities and survey results here: CAL HEALTH FIND DATABASE.
Nursing Home Evaluation Checklist: FS NH Nursing Home Evaluation Checklist
Residential Care Facilities are Licensed by California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing 1-844-LetUsNo (1-844-538-8766). Search for facilities and licensing inspections here: https://www.ccld.dss.ca.gov/carefacilitysearch/.
Ombudsman Volunteers
Ombudsman Volunteers are required to pass a background screening complete a 36 hours State Training curriculum and then shadow with an Certified Ombudsman for approximately 10 hours to obtain State certification. After certification, 18 hours of Continuing Education are required for annual re-certification.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and want to know how to get involved in the Ombudsman program, please call 209-468-3785.