The Volunteer Ombudsman: The Eyes, Ears and Friendly Face of the Program

“Ombudsman” is a Swedish word that means citizen representative. In Maine, volunteers represent the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program when they make friendly visits to residents in long-term care facilities. They are the eyes and ears of the program and the heart of its mission to advocate for residents and their families.

Volunteer ombudsmen have the authority, by law, to enter a facility any time of the day or night, 365 days a year. This is the key to the effectiveness of the ombudsman in his or role as an investigator and advocate for long-term care residents.