State Long Term Care Ombudsman Needs Volunteers for Volunteer Ombudsman Program

Deanna Clingan-Fischer

State Long Term Care Ombudsman

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is seeking volunteers in Polk County to become members of its Volunteer Ombudsman Program

(Des Moines, IA)  The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is seeking volunteers in Polk County to become members of its Volunteer Ombudsman Program (VOP).

Volunteer Ombudsmen are trained, certified volunteers that visit long-term care facilities to assist residents with problems or concerns, monitor the quality of care provided residents, help protect residents' rights, work to ensure dignified and respectful treatment of residents, and encourage participation in resident councils. This unique and rewarding opportunity requires a minimum commitment of 3-5 hours per month for one year.

As a Volunteer Ombudsman, you will receive:

• 24 hours of initial
  training
• Resources and
  continuing support
• Rewarding
  relationships with residents and other volunteers
• Opportunity to be a
  partner in fostering dignity of residents of long-term care facilities.

To learn more about the Volunteer Ombudsman Program, or to request an application, contact:

Merea Bentrott, Volunteer
Ombudsman Program (VOP) Coordinator,
at merea.bentrott@iowa.gov or 515-344-0052.