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Online Resources for Long Term Care
The MatureMarcket.com
March 15, 2005
Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program today celebrated the re-launch of its Website, http://www.myflorida.com/ombudsman, offering Floridians a convenient network of information regarding residents' rights and other topics pertinent to residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.
The volunteer-based organization advocates for the rights of elders residing in long-term care settings.
"While the program has maintained a Web site since 1999, the time has come to upgrade the level of information we make available to the public," said State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Brian Lee, the program's director. "For this re-launch, we are putting into motion a concept that offers something for everyone along the spectrum of long-term care and literally puts a comprehensive resource at their fingertips."
The redesigned Web site is comprised of three main sections for various groups who visit the site: long-term care residents and families, facility staff and administrators, and ombudsmen. The site contains a broad, easy-to-navigate library of topics ranging from residents' rights and advocacy to quality of life, care issues and best practices in long-term care.
"This Web site introduces a wealth of knowledge all in one place, making it easy for long-term care residents and their loved ones to learn about their rights and options," said volunteer ombudsman Lu de Wette, who serves as the program's State Council chair.
Additionally, long-term care facility residents and their families may e-mail the program to file complaints or receive information about their rights. E-mailed complaints, just like written, phoned or in-person complaints, are responded to within five business days and are completely confidential. Complaints may pertain to any aspect of resident care, from respect and privacy to menu variation and medication issues.
Basic content such as program publications, a pressroom, links to organizations of interest, and contact information for the program's 17 local councils can also be found on the site. Individuals interested in becoming ombudsmen may begin the application process online as well.
Administered by the Department of Elder Affairs, Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a unique volunteer-based organization that trains volunteers to protect the health, safety, welfare, and human and civil rights of elders residing in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.
Its 380 ombudsmen offer advocacy services and community education in 17 local councils across the state. All program services, including individualized response to residents' concerns, are free.
For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.myflorida.com/ombudsmanor call 1-888-831-0404.
All of the above text is a press release provided by the quoted organization. TheMatureMarket.com accepts no responsibility for their accuracy.
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