Are you aware of what rights you have as a nursing home resident? Many of us are not, and that is why Missouri's Ombudsman Program is so important; it is perhaps one of the most effective, cost efficient, but unfortunately least known of the services provided by the state to senior citizens. I have recently joined the program and have been greatly impressed by what it has achieved and even more so by the program's potential.

This ombudsman program consists of trained volunteers (ombudsman) serving as mediators between residents and staff. Often residents may feel intimidated to speak up for themselves and the ombudsman gives them the opportunity to have their grievance raised. Most nursing administrators are anxious to hear from the ombudsman because they want to create the best living conditions possible for each resident. The intensity and variety of grievances vary from minor problems such as complaints about food to cases involving abuse. In all instances the ombudsman provides the most accessible means of complaint resolution and helps to diminish the sense of isolation felt by many residents.

The main objective of the ombudsman is to inform residents of their rights and to ensure that those rights are being met. If you or a loved one are considering placement in a long term care facility, inform yourself of what resident rights exist and utilize the facility ombudsman to ensure those rights are being met. Your rights consist of the following:

To be informed of your medical condition, to select your own physician, to participate in planning for your total care and to refuse treatment.

To be transferred or discharged only for medical reasons, non-payment, or your welfare or that of other residents of the facility and receive advance notice of ten days. Thirty days notice is required in federally certified facilities.

To exercise your rights as a citizen; to voice grievances or recommendations for changes at the facility to the facility's staff designee, an ombudsman or to any person outside the institution; and to be from reprisal.

To manage your own personal and financial affairs.

To be free from mental and physical abuse. Chemical and physical restraints can be used only if required by a physician to protect you or others from injury.

To have all information treated as confidential.

To be treated with respect and dignity.

To not be required to perform services for the facility.

To communicate and meet with persons of your choice in private, unless this infringes upon another's rights; to make and receive telephone calls, and to send and receive mail unopened.

To participate in social, religious and community activities unless there are medical reasons that prohibit it.

To retain personal belongings as space permits.

To visit with your spouse in private or if both of you are residents of the same facility, to share the same room.

To purchase service not provided in the monthly rate.

To receive an itemized bill for goods and services provided and, on a quarterly basis, an accounting for all personal possessions or funds entrusted to the facility.

Placement into a long term care facility can be one of the hardest and most emotional events in someone's life. Utilize the facility ombudsman to make sure this transition easier.

Currently, there is a shortage of ombudsman volunteers in this area and requests by nursing facilities greatly out number the available ombudsman. If you enjoy working with senior citizens and have the energy, commitment, and determination to enhance the life of nursing home residents, serving as an ombudsman volunteer may be for you. For more information, contact the ombudsman program at 314-335-3331. This could be one of the most rewarding steps you will ever take.