The mission of the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is to improve the quality of life for all Florida long-term care residents by advocating for and protecting their health, safety, welfare and rights.
An ombudsman is an advocate for people who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. All services are confidential and free of charge.
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs provides most direct services through its Division of Statewide Community-Based Services, which works through the state’s 11 Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to deliver essential services to a vital segment of the population.
The SHINE program supports the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ mission by providing free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a dedicated network of volunteers, empowering Florida seniors to make informed health care choices.
A free phone appointment is scheduled for eligible callers with an attorney or paralegal. Most clients will receive answers to their legal questions during their phone appointment. Advocates can also mail supplemental information pertinent to the issues discussed.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is a statewide, volunteer-based system of local units that act as advocates for residents of long-term care facilities. The LTCOP was established by Title VII of the federal Older Americans Act and its operation is governed by state statute, part I of Chapter 400, Florida Statutes. Through 13 district offices that together cover the entire state, volunteers work with staff to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family-care homes, and continuing care retirement communities. In addition to investigating and resolving complaints, the LTCOP performs the following services or activities:
Monitoring of and commenting on the development and implementation of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies regarding health, safety, and welfare of residents in long-term care facilities.
Conducting annual assessments of long-term care facilities.
Aiding the development of resident and family councils.
Click on the image on the left to learn about volunteer opportunities to help improve the lives of Floridians by advocating on behalf of those who live in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult family care homes.
Serve as an advisory body to assist the state ombudsman in reaching a consensus among districts on issues affecting residents and impacting the optimal operation of the program.
Identifies statewide issues affecting long-term care facility residents and coordinates voluntary organizational assistance for the purpose of improving the care received by residents.
Assists the state ombudsman in preparing the annual report described in s. 400.0065.
The State Council meets at least quarterly, either by telephone conference or an in-person meeting.
State Council members shall serve 3-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms
The State Council is composed of one active certified ombudsman from each local unit within a district (18 local units) plus three at-large members appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs.
For more information, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 850-414-2323 or toll free at 1-888-831-0404. You may also email us at LTCOPInformer@elderaffairs.org.
DISCLAIMER: Under Florida law, this webform is a public record. Please do NOT submit any identifying information that would be against HIPPA standards.
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