One senior woman in a yellow sweater smiles, while hugging another senior woman wearing an oxygen mask. Both women are smiling and appear to be close. Text appears, which reads: "Eastern Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman."

Trained volunteers in the Eastern Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocate for residents of nursing homes, adult family homes assisted living facilities and enhanced services facilities. Our purpose is to protect and promote the Residents’ Rights guaranteed these residents under Federal and State law and regulations. Volunteers are trained to receive complaints and resolve problems in situations involving quality of care, use of restraints, transfer and discharge, abuse and other aspects of resident dignity and rights.

Ensuring the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals living in long term care… today and tomorrow

Keeping Vigil KHQ

Keeping Vigil: An Advocate for the Elderly. KHQ’s Stephanie Vigil spoke with one woman who has spent decades being an advocate for the elderly.

Contact Us

(509) 456-7133
or
1-800-660-7133 (toll free)

Eastern Washington Long Term Care Ombudsman serves five counties:

  • Ferry
  • Pend Orielle
  • Spokane
  • Stevens
  • Whitman

Do you need an Ombudsman?

If you have a problem or concern with the quality of care with any long term facility, an ombudsman may be able to help resolve the issue.

Who Can Use the Ombudsman Program?

  • Residents of Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Family Homes and Veteran’s Homes.
  • Relatives and friends of residents in long-term care facilities.
  • Administrators and employees of Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Family Homes and Veterans’ Homes.
  • Any group or individual concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities.
  • The community-at-large.

Do you want to become an Ombudsman?

Ombudsman are always needed.

Duties/Roles of an Ombudsman:

  • COMPANION: Make weekly visits to residents in assigned LTC facilities in their area.
  • EDUCATOR: Provide pertinent information about resident rights, community services, laws, regulations and policies.
  • ADVOCATE: Attempt to resolve concerns and complaints by the resident, family members, and friends.

To qualify, volunteers must:

  • All Ombudsmen shall be free from conflicts of interests
  • Attend a 40-hour classroom training (5 days)
  • Commit to four hours each week to visiting residents of a designated facility
  • Commit to attending monthly continuing education in-service meetings
  • Listen to concerns or problems residents may have, help advocate with the residents for the most workable solutions for residents, family and staff
  • Foster a commitment to the residents of Long Term Care facilities

If you would like to make a difference in the lives of Eastern Washington long-term care residents, please complete the volunteer application.