Advocating and providing supportive services and programs to older adults, to allow them to live with independence, in their own homes, for as long as possible.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The word Ombudsman (om-budz-man), is Scandinavian. In this country the word has come to mean an "advocate."

The Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program was established under federal mandate through the Older Americans Act. A LTC Ombudsman is an advocate that protects and promotes the rights of nursing home and assisted living facility residents.

Services provided by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

  • Education - to inform residents, families, facility staff and others on long-term care and residents' rights.
  • Information and Referrals - to empower individuals to resolve concerns and complaints on their own behalf.
  • Consultation - to make recommendations for protecting the rights of residents and improving their care and quality of life.
  • Individual Advocacy - to facilitate the resolution of concerns and complaints and to protect the rights of residents.
  • Systems Advocacy - to identify significant concerns and problematic trends and to advocate for systemic changes that will benefit current and future residents of long-term care facilities.

Who can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

Anyone can contact the LTC Ombudsman Program to discuss or seek assistance in resolving a problem, concern or complaint impacting one or more residents of a long-term care facility. This includes residents, family members, facility staff and others.

However, the LTC Ombudsman acts as an advocate for the resident, and as such, seeks to resolve the concern to the satisfaction of the resident.

Contacting the Long-Term Care Ombudsman

You may call, write, or email:

Lisa McGuire
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
620 East 25th Street, Suite 12
Kearney, NE 68847
308.234.1851 or 1.800.658.4320
lisa.mcguire@scnaaa.org