Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)
LTCOP provides advocacy for individuals residing in long term care facilities including nursing homes, adult homes, enriched housing, family type homes, and assisted living facilities in Westchester County. LTCOP staff and trained volunteers - Ombudsmen - receive, investigate and resolve complaints and concerns of residents of long term care facilities and their families. LTCOP functions under the umbrella of the New York State Office for the Aging, under provisions of the Older Americans Act.
Services
Residents of long-term care facilities, their family members, friends and providers working with them may contact LTCOP about any complaint or concern. LTCOP Ombudsmen investigate and act to resolve complaints. When appropriate, LTCOP refers unresolved complaints to regulatory agencies and continues to represent the interests of residents before those agencies seeking administrative, legal and other remedies.
In addition, Ombudsmen educate residents and the general public about long-term care services and concerns related to long-term care, and assist resident and family councils to protect the rights of residents. LTCOP advocacy also addresses laws and regulations pertaining to the health, safety, welfare and rights of long term care residents.
Information/Referrals
For information or to register a complaint, call Margaret Hadad, Program Director, at 914-345-5900 ext. 7522 or contact MHA’s Information and Referral service at (914) 345-0700 ext. 7303 or help@mhawestchester.org.
Hours and Locations
Staff members are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ombudsmen typically visit facilities Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Ombudsmen and staff have 24-hour access to the facilities, and they can make visits at any hours during emergencies. All facilities are located in Westchester County.
Languages Spoken
LTCOP staff members speak English and Swedish. Ombudsmen who speak Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Sign Language, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish and Yiddish are also available.
Cost
The service is free to consumers.
Staff/Service Providers
The program is supervised by a certified social worker who has extensive experience and knowledge in the field of aging, especially regarding long-term care.
Volunteers receive 36 hours of initial training and are supervised and supported by staff members.
For information on becoming a LTCOP volunteer click here.
Links to Other Helpful Sites
Senior Citizens Guide to Mental Health Services
http://www.westchestergov.com/seniors.htm
The Senior Citizens Guide to Mental Health Services includes a comprehensive list of mental health services for older adults in Westchester County.
The guide is also available in book form. Contact the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services for a copy at 914-813-6300 or bdc1@westchestergov.com.
New York State Office for the Aging
http://aging.ny.gov/
The site provides information about nutrition, safety and self care, fitness, the relation between emotional and physical health, medications and more. The site offers a printable chart to record medications, and use as a handy reference to share with a physician or pharmacist.
Westchester County Community Help Desk - Seniors at Risk
http://chd.westchestergov.com
The Westchester County Office for the Aging Community Help Desk site helps identify seniors at risk and appropriate resources.
National Council on the Aging Benefits CheckUp
http://www.benefitscheckup.org
The National Council on the Aging is a non-profit association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well being and contributions of older persons. The Benefits CheckUp provides free information about benefit programs for which seniors are eligible and how to apply for them. The site is confidential. Plan to spend 10 to 15 minutes completing the questionnaire on behalf of yourself and/or those you love and serve.
Medicare
http://www.medicare.gov
In addition to English, this federal government site has sections in Spanish and Chinese. Beginner Search Tips provide an excellent guide to using this comprehensive site about Medicare and Medigap. Now you can order a replacement Medicare card from this site. This site gives you information about the Medicare coverage to which you are entitled, provides easy steps to guide your choice of a nursing home, helps you recognize fraud and abuse in matters relating to Medicare coverage.
New York State Department of Health
http://www.health.state.ny.us
Of particular interest to seniors and their loved ones is the section on Nursing Homes which provides detailed information about the facility, including the most recent results of the New York State Standard Survey conducted at least every 15 months. Click on Nursing Home Info at the top of this site’s home page.
Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.aoa.gov/
This site provides information for seniors on retirement, financial planning, legislation, health care anti-fraud initiatives and care issues for seniors; and includes information on LTCOP in the U.S.
|
