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What is VOICES? |
We are a not-for-profit organization founded in
1980 to address concerns and problems in Evansville, Indiana
nursing homes and licensed assisted living homes.
Our services include investigation of
complaints, resolution of problems and protection of resident
rights. We also provide information/training to residents, the
general public, and nursing home staff, on long-term care issues
such as quality of life and care, selection of a nursing home and
sources of payment for care.
All services provided are free and
confidential. Anyone who may have concerns regarding long-term
care or residents in a long-term care home may contact us. |
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What is an Ombudsman? |
| Ombudsman is a Swedish word meaning citizen's
representative. A long-term care Ombudsman serves as an advocate
who seeks to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of people who
are consumers of long-term care services. |
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What does the Ombudsman do? |
The Ombudsman's job is to protect the rights of
residents and assure that residents receive fair treatment and
quality of care by:
- investigating and resolving complaints
- visiting each facility, at least annually,
to evaluate conditions
- ensuring that residents are receiving the
legal, financial, social, rehabilitative, and other services to
which they are entitled
- educating residents, families, and facility
staff about resident rights
- providing information to the public about
long-term care facilities
- assisting with the establishment of resident
and family councils
- representing residents' interests before
federal and state government by working to change laws,
regulations, and policies that affect those who live in
long-term care facilities
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Ombudsman Advice: |
A nursing home must allow residents to
make suggestions and complaints relating to his/her quality of
life and treatment. Also, any resident, family member, visitor or
staff member may contact the long-term care Ombudsman for
assistance in upholding the rights of residents by calling
(812)423-2927.
In addition, anyone can file a complaint with the
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) by calling their toll free
number at (800)246-8909. Both services are free and confidential as
any person contacting the long-term care Ombudsman or the ISDH may
request that their name be kept confidential. Any retaliation,
including verbal criticism, against anyone making a complaint is against the law! |
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| Click HERE for more information on Resident Rights |
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