Nursing Home Ombudsman

A nursing home ombudsman protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. They advocate for better living conditions and quality care in nursing homes. If you or a loved one has been harmed, you can report the issue to your ombudsman. We may also be able to help you take legal action. Get started with a free case review.

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Why Take Legal Action?

By filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit, you can seek financial compensation and justice from those who caused you or a loved one harm.

Results Secured

$2.2 million for a Rhode Island resident who had a heart attack
$2 million for the family of a California patient with dementia who passed away due to negligence
$1.5 million for a woman in Minnesota with stage 4 bedsores

Written by: Rae Theodore

Last updated: Mar 06, 2025

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Julie Rivers

What Is an Ombudsman in a Nursing Home?

A nursing home ombudsman, also known as a long-term care ombudsman, works to settle issues regarding the health, safety, and well-being of nursing home residents. They also advocate for residents’ rights on local, state, and national levels.

The role of a nursing home ombudsman may include:

Advocating: Championing the rights of residents in nursing homes and other care facilities
Guiding families: Assisting family members in navigating the long-term health care system and understanding residents’ rights
Holding staff accountable: Ensuring that abusive or neglectful staff members face consequences
Investigating complaints: Responding to issues ranging from mistreatment of residents to concerns about quality of care
Preventing abuse: Working proactively to stop instances of nursing home abuse and neglect

While a nursing home ombudsman can address complaints against nursing homes and other care facilities, concerned families may wish to take action faster if serious harm has occurred.

If your loved one is showing signs of nursing home neglect or abuse and may be in immediate danger, call 911. Once they’re safe, consider reaching out to an experienced nursing home attorney to seek justice on their behalf.

Get a free case review now to find out about your legal options.

Duties of a Care Home Ombudsman

Nursing home ombudsmen are in facilities to assist and support residents and their families. They provide services whether residents are receiving care through Medicaid or Medicare or living at a private facility.

Learn more about long-term care ombudsman services and how they work to keep residents safe from abuse and neglect.

Address Complaints of Nursing Home Residents

An ombudsman for nursing homes is dedicated to addressing complaints by nursing home residents and their families. They provide an important channel for residents to voice concerns about their care and quality of life.

Complaints could range from the quality of food to instances of nursing home abuse injuries.

Did you know?

In 2023, nursing home ombudsmen resolved 202,894 complaints by residents and their families, according to the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS).

Collect Data on Nursing Home Complaints

A nursing home ombudsman collects data on nursing home complaints, providing information on trends, recurring issues, and areas needing improvement.

The data is used to create annual reports under the NORS, which are sent to the overseeing governmental agencies to advise on improving the nursing home care system and its policies.

Educate Staff About Caregiving Practices

A long-term care ombudsman educates facility staff on the rights of residents. They provide information about updates in policies — such as the Older Americans Act — to ensure that staff are properly trained to provide high-quality care.

They also provide information on the causes of nursing home abuse and neglect to prevent it from happening. Ombudsmen conducted over 3,000 trainings in nursing homes on topics like resident rights in 2023.

Investigate Reports of Nursing Home Abuse

An ombudsman for the elderly plays a pivotal role in examining and responding to reports of nursing home abuse. They investigate allegations of mistreatment and seek legal or adult protective services to ensure residents are safe.

Offer Family and Community Involvement Opportunities

Nursing home ombudsman services encourage the establishment of resident and family councils to foster community involvement. These connections create a support network that benefits both residents and their loved ones.

Protect Residents’ Rights

A nursing home ombudsman educates residents about their rights and encourages them and their family members to seek support, especially in cases of elder abuse.

Nursing home residents have the right to:

Dignity and respect: Residents must be treated with respect and allowed to maintain their individuality.
File complaints: Residents should be allowed to voice concerns about their care without the fear of retaliation.
Information: Facilities must provide details about their policies, fees, and changes to patient care plans.
Live free from abuse and neglect: Federal and state laws require nursing homes to provide a safe environment, free from physical and emotional harm.
Make their own decisions: This includes choices about medical care, visitors, activities, and personal matters.
Manage their finances: Residents can handle their own money or appoint someone they trust to do so.
Quality care: Facilities must provide proper medical, personal, and social services.

If a nursing home violates these rights, residents or their families can report the issue to a nursing home ombudsman or take legal action in some cases.

Compensation from a nursing home lawsuit can help families cover medical bills and other expenses and hold negligent facilities accountable.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or chat with a case manager to see if a top nursing home lawyer may be able to help your family.

What States Have a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is available across all 50 states, as well as in Guam, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

LTCOP has local offices in all locations and a substantial workforce, with over 1,500 paid staff members and nearly 3,500 volunteer ombudsmen.

You can contact your local long-term care ombudsman to resolve grievances you or a loved one may be experiencing at a nursing home or assisted living facility.

5 Ways to Find an Ombudsman for a Long-Term Care Facility

There are several ways for residents and families to get in touch with their local nursing home ombudsman.

Here is how to find an ombudsman for seniors:

Area agencies: Contact your Area Agency on Aging (AAA), your state’s human services program, or local department of health for help. They can direct you to a nursing home ombudsman near you.
Legal aid organizations: A nursing home abuse attorney often has knowledge of local ombudsman programs and can provide guidance on how to contact them.
National Ombudsman Resource Center: The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides a directory of state ombudsman programs. You can visit its website or call the toll-free number to find an ombudsman near you.
Nursing home staff: If you are comfortable asking them, nursing home staff may have contact information for the ombudsman serving their facility.
State websites: Most states maintain websites where you can find contact details for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs within the state. Search for “ombudsman program” followed by your state’s name to access this information.

If you need legal help related to nursing home abuse or neglect, our team is here to support you. Get started with a free case review.

Benefits of an Ombudsman for Nursing Homes

A nursing home ombudsman offers many benefits for improving the quality of residential care in facilities.

A long-term care ombudsman helps with:

Community engagement: This fosters a sense of care, belonging, and support, which can enhance the quality of resident life.
Conflict resolution: They serve as a bridge between residents, their families, and the nursing home staff. By addressing and resolving complaints, they help to maintain harmony within the facility.
Education: They educate residents, caregivers, and facility staff on best care practices and regulations to encourage more informed decisions. This promotes better care, advocacy, and resident experiences.
Monitoring and reporting: After visiting nursing homes to monitor their quality of care, living conditions, and adherence to regulations, they report any concerns or violations to the appropriate governing authorities for remediation.
Preventing nursing home neglect and abuse: This allows older adults to live without fear, knowing that their well-being is protected and that the at-fault parties will be held accountable.
Quality assurance: Identifying systemic issues in nursing homes improves care practices and enhances residents’ safety.
Transparency: Promoting transparency in nursing homes fosters open communication and accountability, improving trust and confidence in care among staff, residents, and their families.

A nursing home ombudsman goes beyond conflict resolution. The program leads to improvements in systems, care quality, education, monitoring, prevention, and more.

These improvements contribute to a safer, more open, and supportive environment for residents of long-term care facilities.

Get Legal Help for Nursing Home Abuse

While a nursing home ombudsman plays a crucial role in addressing concerns, sometimes families need additional support.

Nursing home abuse and neglect cases can be complex and may require action beyond what an ombudsman can offer. Ensure your loved one’s rights and safety are fully protected.

If you feel your situation needs a closer look, the team at LawFirm.com is here to help.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our form to learn about your legal options.

Ombudsman Nursing Home FAQs

What does an ombudsman do?

The role of an ombudsman for nursing homes is to address complaints and concerns related to assisted living and other long-term care facilities.

These officials work as advocates for residents, striving to ensure that their health, safety, welfare, and rights are upheld.

Does an ombudsman oversee nursing homes?

The ombudsman doesn’t oversee nursing homes but serves as an independent advocate and ensures that residents receive good care.

They investigate complaints, mediate disputes, and ensure nursing homes comply with regulations required in the long-term care system.

Can an ombudsman help you sue a nursing home?

While an ombudsman can’t directly help you sue a nursing home for neglect or abuse, they can provide valuable information and support if you’re considering legal action.

If you have questions about taking legal action, our team can help, too. Get started with a free case review.

How do I find a nursing home ombudsman near me?

You can locate a nursing home ombudsman through several resources:

National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center: Find a list of local ombudsman offices for every state.
Eldercare Locator: Call 1-800-677-1116 to connect with senior services.
Area Agency on Aging: Contact your local office for nursing home ombudsman details.

Every state has its own Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to assist residents and families.

What are examples of negligence in nursing homes?

Examples of negligence in nursing homes include:

Falls and fractures
Lack of health care for disabilities or illnesses
Medication errors
Neglect, including untreated stage 4 bedsores
Nursing home injuries
Personal care and hygiene issues
Poor food quality
Unanswered requests for help

A nursing home ombudsman can handle complaints related to all of the above and help families figure out a path forward.

If your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect, you may be able to work with a top nursing home attorney to seek compensation and justice.

Call (888) 726-9160 now to see if we can connect you.

Do all nursing homes have an ombudsman?

While not all nursing facilities have their own ombudsman on staff, every state has a Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. You can contact your state’s program to get in touch with an ombudsman in your area.

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Julie RiversEldercare Advocate

Editor

Julie Rivers is a dedicated eldercare advocate with over 15 years of experience in nursing home neglect and abuse cases. Inspired by her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, she blends legal expertise and personal passion to support victims. An MBA graduate and active Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, Julie fights for better eldercare policies and justice for affected families.