California Protects Elderly

When we think of the assisted living care facilities for elder Californians, we generally think of it from the point of view of the resident. There is a great deal of pride felt by those in the industry in the quality of service given to California seniors each day, all year long. And yet, assisted living is a business, and as such it requires oversight and continual monitoring. The individual states are responsible to provide this oversight. In California, this responsibility it taken seriously as can be seen in the end result – the quality of assisted living facilities that are operated here for the benefit of our seniors.

By the year 2020, it is projected by the California Department of Aging that one in five Californians will be age 60 or above. Increasingly diverse groups of older adults, some with disabilities, will have a variety of needs relating to their physical, mental and emotional well-being. We will be required to examine how we deliver the needed services to these older adults and learn to respect their independence which they will guard so well.

The state of California has identified key areas for accomplishment in the State Plan on Aging 2009 – 2013. These key issued are identified as: accessible transportation, community involvement, and health and wellness programs. The State Plan is maximizing efforts at both state and local levels to achieve results, working to ensure that every Californian has the opportunity to enjoy wellness, longevity and quality of life in strong, healthy communities.In addition, all residents of California Assisted Living Facilities have an ally in the state long term care Ombudsman Program.

The Ombudsmen primary task is to investigate and work to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of individual residents in long-term care facilities . This consists of nursing homes, residential care facilities for the aged, and assisted living facilities. They investigate elder abuse complaints in these same facilities. Policies are developed and oversight is provided to the local long-term care Ombudsman programs by the office of the state long-term care Ombudsman (OSLTCO). The OSLTCO staff works with licensing agencies on difficult cases and meets with the California Department of Aging Staff Counsels to clarify and implement laws, define program roles, and provide ongoing Ombudsman training.

They advocate for the rights of all the residents of long-term care facilities in two ways: 1) they investigate and resolve individual grievances on behalf of the residents and 2) they advocate for quality long-term care system, which consists of its laws, policies, regulation and management.

Residents or their family members can file a complaint directly with the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman or by calling the crisis line at 1-800-231-4024. All long-term care facilities are required to post, in a conspicuous site, the phone number for the local Ombudsman office and the statewide number 1-800-231-4024, which is available twenty four hours a day, 7 days a week to take calls and refer complaints from residents.

The communities support the local Ombudsman program. Volunteers are an integral part of this program. The OSLTCO and its 35 local Ombudsman Program Coordinators are responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising the volunteer Ombudsman representatives.

Ombudsman services are free and confidential.

Contact your local LTC Ombudsman Program for the following resident services: Concerns about quality of care Questions about financial abuse Suspicions of physical, mental or emotional abuse Witnessing services for Advanced Health Care Directives Requesting an Ombudsman to attend a resident care plan meeting Requesting an Ombudsman to attend a resident or family council meeting.

Janet Smytherton is an advocate for quality assited living facilities. Learn more about assited living facilities in California.