Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsmen Program are advocates for residents rights. Paid and volunteer staff work to protect the quality of life and quality of care for Kansans who live in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home plus facilities.
Ombudsman do not regulate long-term care facilities, but they do work with residents, their families, providers and other agencies to resolve problems and concerns.
Some of the ways ombudsmen help long-term care residents include:
- Advocating for person-centered approaches by providers to meet the needs and honor the preferences of residents;
- Working to resolve complaints and issue on behalf of residents.
- Telling residents about their rights.
- Providing information and support for resident and family councils.
- Helping residents and families learn about long-term care.
- Working to to bring about change that improves care at the local, state, and national levels.
A Resource for People with Loved Ones in Long-Term Care During COVID-19
Family and friends who are unable to see loved ones living in long-term care facilities because of the COVID-19 emergency may struggle with changes in protocol, rights and policies. The Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is available to help with a new statewide resource called Virtual Family Council.
The program offers bi-monthly online meetings with the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Anyone can participate and ask questions, share concerns, or just listen to learn and gather information. These meetings will not address specific issues regarding a resident or a facility.
How to Attend
Meetings are by-monthly on Wednesday afternoon between 4:00 - 5:00 pm.
Dates for upcoming meetings:
Wednesday, January 20
Wednesday, February 3
Wednesday, February 17
If you would like to attend, email us at LTCO@ks.gov and use 'Virtual Family Council' in the subject line to receive meeting link and instructions.