The Nevada State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is authorized
by the federal Older American’s Act. Federal law requires each state have a
Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program managed by a State Long Term Care
Ombudsman. The program was initiated to improve the quality of care in
America’s nursing homes.
LTC Ombudsmen receive complaints on behalf of residents who reside in
LTC facilities. LTC facilities include homes
for individual residential care, residential facilities for groups and nursing
homes. LTC Ombudsmen conduct investigations with the resident’s consent and
attempt to resolve the complaints to the satisfaction of the resident. LTC
Ombudsmen work with the resident to address their concerns using person
centered advocacy. Services provided by the LTCOP are confidential. LTC
Ombudsmen do not share the name of the individual who filed a complaint. Any
resident living in LTC facilities is eligible for services.
In addition to resolving complaints, the LTC Ombudsmen conduct unannounced quarterly visits to LTC facilities throughout the state. The purpose of these visits is to speak with residents about the care they receive and to inform residents about services provided by the LTCOP. LTC Ombudsmen also inform LTC facility staff about the role of the LTC Ombudsman during visits.
The LTCOP serves a vital public purpose and the program provides assistance to thousands of long term care residents each year.
Ombudsman Services:
- Assist resident with concerns
related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences.
- Provide information to
the community regarding long term care in Nevada;
- Provide education to residents,
families, facility staff and others on a variety of issues related to aging,
long term care and resident rights; and
- Provide in-service training
for long term care professionals regarding trends and best practices to improve
the quality of care for residents
Who Can Make a Report to the Ombudsman Program?
- All residents of long term care facilities;
- Friends and relatives of persons living in long term care facilities;
- Health care professionals; and
- Long term care facility staff members.
How to Make a Report to the Ombudsman Program?
To report concerns in long-term care facilities, please contact LTCOP Helpline at 1-888-282-1155 or complete the complaint form: LTC Ombudsman Inquiry/Complaint Form.
Please Note: The Aging and Disability Services Division's Adult Protective Services focuses on investigations regarding abuse, neglect, including self-neglect, isolation, exploitation and abandonment involving community members and those in a long term care setting for vulnerable persons, age 18-59, in addition to older persons 60 years and older.