The COVID pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our lives, but no one was hit harder than residents of long-term care – the nearly 74,000 Washingtonians who live in more than 4,300 long-term care homes across the state.
Living in restricted situations for much of the past year-and-a-half, residents were in isolation, without the chance of seeing friends or family members. Social isolation has been devastating for this vulnerable population.
But brighter days are ahead, and now is a great time to take action that improves the wellbeing of your neighbors and your own health.
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has a mission to advocate for the rights of residents living in nursing homes and other long-term care settings.
The program relies on trained volunteers who visit the residents, becoming their eyes and ears. They assess how residents are doing, flagging incidents of poor quality of care, violations of residents’ rights, resolving complaints and being the voice for residents who too often just don’t have one. In a typical year, volunteers donate more than 45,000 hours.
Ombuds resolve over 90% of the complaints received, and their service reduces the need for costly government or legal interventions. They provide critical support to ensure the quality of care and the rights of residents are being upheld.
Ombudsman volunteers genuinely enjoy their work, and report one of the things they like best about their role is the social connections they make with other volunteers and folks in their community.
Volunteering is Good for Your Health
Research shows that volunteering leads to health benefits, especially in older adults. Volunteering keeps you moving and thinking, reduces stress, anxiety and depression, builds social connections and support systems, and provides a sense of purpose. The Ombuds certification training is provided at no cost and covers a wide range of topics. Volunteers and staff meet monthly for continued training and support.
Your Neighbors Need You
As a result of the pandemic lock-down, consultations with residents and their family members plummeted from 41,000 to 13,000. Cases and complaints were half the norm because residents did not have access to their ombuds advocates. Residents of long-term care and nursing homes in your neighborhood need you. Consider becoming a volunteer Ombudsman—a gift to your community and to yourself.
For more information, call 1-800-562-6028 or visit http://www.waombudsman.org
