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MENUS AND FOOD: SAFETY AND CARE:
q Do residents have a choice of food items at each q Does the facility have an emergency evacuation
meal? plan and do they hold regular fire drills?
q Are nutritious snacks available upon request? q Do residents get regular preventive care to keep
q Do staff members assist residents with eating them healthy?
and drinking at mealtimes if help is needed? q May residents still see their personal doctors?
ACTIVITIES: q Does the facility have an arrangement with a
q Are residents, including those who are unable nearby hospital for emergencies?
to leave their rooms, able to choose to take part q Are care plan meetings held at times that are
in a variety of activities? convenient for residents and family members to
q Are there outdoor areas for resident use and do attend whenever possible?
staff members assist residents who wish to go q Has the facility corrected all deficiencies on its
outside? last state inspection report?
q Does the facility have an active volunteer Checklist provided by Centers for Medicare and
program? Medicaid Services
MEET YOUR LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
WHAT IS AN OMBUDSMAN?
Ombudsmen are advocates available to help residents and their families by advocating to protect
their health, safety, welfare, and rights. An ombudsman works to increase the responsiveness of
organizations to the people he or she serves. A long term care ombudsman seeks to improve the
quality of life and quality of care of the residents of long term care facilities.
A LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN:
• Investigates and works to resolve problems or complaints.
• Identifies problem areas in long term care and advocates or mediates for change.
• Provides information about long term care and related services.
• Promotes resident, family, and community involvement in long term care.
• Educates the community about the needs of long term care residents.
• Visits long term facilities to talk to residents and monitor conditions.
CALL YOUR LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
North Carolina, Greater Charlotte Region, 1.800.508.5777
South Carolina 803.329.6970