Advocacy offered by Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Advocates and resolves problems for residents of nursing homes, assisted living homes and adult family homes. Maintains a complaint system which tracks complaints made against long-term care facilities and works with facility staff, local and state agencies to ensure that residents' complaints and concerns are listened to and responded to with appropriate action. Educates the public about residents' rights, resident care, medical assistance, services/conditions in long-term care facilities and what to look for in a long-term care facility. Oversees local ombudsmen offices across the state. Recruits and trains volunteers as certified long-term care ombudsman and is staffed by professional ombudsmen.