Do you have time on your hands? Do you have compassion? Do you have empathy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you would make an excellent Certified Volunteer Ombudsman.
A volunteer ombudsman visits residents of nursing homes and skilled care facilities regularly to make sure their rights are preserved. Some residents do not voice their concerns and the ombudsman can be their advocate.
The Ombudsman Program is sponsored by White River Area Agency on Aging. Nancy Deckard is the Regional Ombudsman for the ten county area:Independence, Stone,Fulton,Jackson, Izard, Sharp,Cleburne, White, Van Buren, andWoodruffCounties.Nancyregularly visits residents to hear their concerns and complaints, investigates those complaints and helps to resolve them, usually through recommendations or mediation. She deals with issues such as finances, Medicaid eligibility, transfers or discharges, guardianship, care plans, restraints, food quality, room temperature, social activities, and residents’ rights.
White River Area Agency on Aging will be sponsoring a free of charge class on Friday, August 12 for anyone wishing to become a volunteer ombudsman. You must be 18 years old to participate and you must complete the eight hour classroom instruction and the twelve hour nursing home practicum to become certified.
Please call Nancy Deckard, 870-612-3000,
or Debbie Blevins, 870-613-2912, for more details.
