Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 800-640-4661

5560 Overland Ave., Ste 310 San Diego, CA 92123

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program investigates abuse and helps people living in:

  • nursing homes,
  • board and care homes,
  • assisted living facilities and
  • adult day health care facilities. 

What does an Ombudsman do? 

People who live in long-term care facilities, like nursing homes, need extra care because they cannot take care of themselves at home. Staff at these facilities help with things like eating, taking medicine, and moving around.  

Sometimes, people who live in these places might not be treated well. Ombudsman investigators check to make sure everyone is safe and being treated kindly. They look into complaints to find out if someone is being mistreated and work to make things better. 

An Ombudsman can help with the following:

  • Quality of Care: Making sure someone is getting good care.
  • Residents’ Rights: The Ombudsman makes sure everyone knows their rights and helps if someone feels those rights are not being respected.
  • Abuse and Neglect: If someone is hurt, treated badly, or not getting good care.
  • Dietary Concerns: If the food is not good or healthy.
  • Financial Issues: If there are problems with bills or money.
  • Restraints: If someone is being kept from moving.
  • Transfer and Discharge: If someone needs to transfer or leave and has questions.
  • Privacy: The Ombudsman helps keep personal information safe and private.
  • Advance Directives: They can help make sure important wishes about health care are followed.
  • Resident and Family Councils: The Ombudsman supports groups where residents and their families can share ideas and concerns to make things better.

Resident's Rights are protected by federal and state laws.

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  • View a partial list of resident's rights

    You have the right to…

    • Be treated with respect and dignity.
    • Be free from any chemical or physical restraint.
    • Manage your own money.
    • Make complaints without fear of retaliation.
    • Meet and talk in private with anyone you choose.
    • Send and receive personal mail.
    • Keep your personal and medical records private.
    • Apply for state and federal assistance without threats or discrimination.
    • Be fully informed of your rights, the services offered, and all charges before admission.

Become an ombudsman volunteer and help monitor care and speak for those who are unable to speak for themselves. 

For information about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, call  800-640-4661 or send us an email.

Below is a video to learn more about the Ombudsman program.