The month of October is Residents’ Rights Month, an annual event to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities and consumers receiving services in their home or community.
In this new era of COVID-19, protecting residents’ rights is crucial. Thanks to legislation in the 80s, safeguards and laws were passed to protect the elderly. One such federal mandate included the formation of the nationwide Long-term Care Ombudsman Program. There are currently 35 Ombudsmen Programs in California, including one run by Felton Institute in San Francisco.
Many nursing homes remain on lockdown, isolating its residents from family to ensure the best health practices around COVID-19. These safety measures, while important, can also cause stress and confusion for the elderly. Having an ombudsman visit can make a world of difference for their mental health and well-being.
Ombudsmen are professional staff and outreach volunteers responsible for protecting residents’ health, safety, welfare, and rights in long-term care facilities. Apart from investigating complaints, ombudsmen conduct regular visits to monitor residents’ quality of life, providing support and friendly contact. The service is free and confidential.
For more information, contact:
Program Director: Benson Nadell
6221 Geary Blvd. San Francisco CA 94121
ombudsman@felton.org or 415-751-9788
HAVE SPARE TIME? WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
The State of California offers a 36-hour training for FREE. It leads to State Certification as an Ombudsman. Upon completion of training, volunteers are asked to commit to 5 hours/week for at least one year.
At the core of the Ombudsman Program, you will find a group of trained and certified Volunteer Field Ombudsman. Many Field Ombudsmen are retired professionals from various fields who visit and help resolve issues concerning the well-being of residents.
Your participation in the Ombudsman Program can make a real difference in the life of residents in long-term care facilities.
This is your opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of many! Call us today!
INTERESTED? Contact: (415) 751-9788 or ombudsman@felton.org
About Felton Institute: Founded in 1889, Felton Institute responds to human needs by providing cutting edge, evidence-based mental health and social services that transform lives. Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.
Offering more than 50 acclaimed and honored programs that address homelessness, mental health, prenatal, adolescent, adult and senior needs, Felton Institute provides services in San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Marin, and Monterey counties.
Felton is named for its social services pioneer and executive director Dr. Katharine “Kitty” Felton who was called the ”conscience of San Francisco” and was committed to ensuring that children and families in crisis have access to social services and resources in order to help them build upon their inherent strengths and develop self-sufficiency. www.felton.org