Ohio seeks volunteers to advocate for nursing home, assisted living residents | Health
COLUMBUS — During National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, the Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman celebrate “Empathy in Action” and recognize the priceless contributions of ombudsman volunteers. They invite all Ohioans to contribute their time and empathy toward helping residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes.
“Volunteering truly is empathy in action,” said Ursel J. McElroy, director of the department. “Ombudsman volunteers take that to a higher level by serving as the eyes, ears, and voices for long-term care consumers. They are needed now more than ever.”
The pandemic greatly altered the way services and supports were provided to long-term care consumers. The state of Ohio and the long-term care ombudsmen are committed to ensuring that all Ohioans have access to quality care in the settings they choose. The ombudsman program and its volunteers help make this a reality.
Ombudsman volunteers work with nursing home and assisted living residents, family members and facility staff and leadership to help resolve care issues. While COVID-19 has made it more important that consumers have an advocate there for them when they need it, the pandemic has also diminished Ohio’s team of ombudsman volunteers.
Visit www.stepup.ohio.gov to learn more and volunteer. For more information about the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, including how they can help, visit www.ombudsman.ohio.gov or call 1-800-282-1206.
Read More: Ohio seeks volunteers to advocate for nursing home, assisted living residents | Health