| Houston
Department of Health and Human Services > Harris
County Area Agency on Aging >
Ombudsman Program
Harris
County Area Agency on Aging
Ombudsman
Program
Authorized by state and federal
laws, the long-term care Ombudsman is a specially trained and
certified volunteer who advocates for quality care in Texas
nursing facilities. An Ombudsman has the resources of the Texas
Department of Aging and Disability Services and other agencies
to help resolve complaints and concerns that cannot be resolved
by residents and staff.
Objectives of the program are
to:
- Intervene on behalf of the
elderly in long-term-care facilities to assure quality of
care.
- Support nursing home standards
so that residents are provided a dependable and acceptable
level of care.
- Serve as a link with the community
to advocate for quality-of-life issues.
- Investigate, negotiate, mediate
or initiate the resolution of complaints and difficulties.
- Improve communication between
residents and facility staff.
Anyone admitting a relative or loved
one to a long-term-care facility should make sure the admission
packet includes "Resident's Rights," a statement of
minimum standards to which any facility should adhere.
For more information, call the
University
of Texas Center on Aging Ombudsman Program at 713-500-9931.
If outside Harris County, call toll-free 1-800-296-2606.
Go
back to the AAA home page | 
