The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program (LTCOP) advocates for individuals residing in nursing facilities and residential care communities, such as assisted living facilities and board and care homes. They resolve problems that impact residents’ rights, quality of life, and quality of care, and work to improve policies at the local, state, and national levels.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is the only federal program mandated to advocate with, and for residents of long-term care facilities.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) establishes the responsibilities of the LTCOP, requiring it to advocate for the rights, health, safety, and wellbeing of residents in long-term care settings through complaint resolution, education, and systemic advocacy. All states, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, are required to have an Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman headed by a full-time State Long-Term Care Ombudsman who directs the statewide program.
