The Long Term Care Ombudsman program provides trained volunteers who visit nursing homes, boarding houses and assisted living facilities. They act as advocates for the residents of these living units. Ombudsmen assure that the rights of the residents are protected. They also are visitors to those who do not have any family in the area.

Services: Volunteers are committed to four hours of time each week visiting facilities in their area.

Requirements: Those who volunteer must attend 30 hours of training to be certified as an Ombudsman. Then, they will spend at least four hours per week visiting the residents in nearby facilities. Some continuing education is provided in monthly meetings.

Application procedure: Call 456-7133 to ask about the next training session. A toll free phone number is 1-800-660-7133.