To investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents relating to action or inaction of adult care homes.

OBJECTIVE #1:

To resolve complaints in the LTC facilities.

Strategies for Objective #1: 

1. Provide on-the-job, classroom and on-site training for new regional ombudsman.
2. Provide on-going continuing education to regional ombudsman.
3. Follow standardized procedures for competent and timely response to resident complaints.
4. Recognize and protect resident confidentiality.
5. Objectively investigate resident complaints and advocate on behalf of residents.
6. Visit adult care homes and other licensed facilities in order to meet administrators, staff and residents

To place one volunteer ombudsman in each adult care home in Kansas.

Strategies for Objective #2:

1. Recruit and train volunteers in each region of the state on an annual basis.
2. Provide technical assistance and support to volunteers.
3. Hold regular volunteer meetings.
4. Provide ongoing education to volunteers.
5. Host an annual volunteer recognition and training program.

 OBJECTIVE #3:

To provide public education programs to residents and staff of adult care homes and members of their respective communities.

 Strategies for Objective #3:

1. Provide in-service training to adult care home staff.
2. Attend resident and family council meetings.
3. Make presentations to community groups and senior citizen organizations.

1. Monitor proposed legislation, laws and policies with respect to long-term care facilities and services.
2. Provide information and recommendations to the Governor, the Kansas Legislature, the Silver-Haired Legislature, other government agencies and the media regarding the problems and concerns of residents in facilities.
3. Meet on a regular basis with resident advocates, senior advocates, disability advocates, members of the adult care industry and adult care executives for the purpose of discussing the ombudsman program and quality resident care.
4. Monitor culture change efforts of LTC facilities in the state and report on them.
5. Present to the LTC community on issues of advocacy on a regular basis.