The Ombudsman program is designed to support and empower people by resolving individual complaints involving long-term care service, while working to improve and enhance the long-term living system for the residents and their families.

Ombudsman advocate for and protect the rights of older adults receiving or denied long-term care services in nursing homes, assisted living, adult day centers, domiciliary care homes, personal care boarding homes, or their own homes.

Ombudsmen are client driven and directed.  Serving as an advocate, they act on the wishes of the client.

What Does an Ombudsman Do?

What Concerns Does an Ombudsman Address?

What Are Residents' Rights?

Who Can Use an Ombudsman's Services?

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman?

Volunteers serve as advocates for residents that live in long-term care settings. Under the federal authority of the Older Americans Act, the Ombudsman’s role is that of health oversight along with monitoring quality of life and health care services of those who reside in long-term care facilities. Certified staff from the PA Department of Aging train all Delaware County volunteers.

Join in this effort by becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman. To be connected with an ombudsman supervisor for more information, please call 610-872-1868.

To locate an Ombudsman volunteer opportunity