What is VOICES?

VOICES, Inc. provides free and confidential Ombudsman services. It is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1980 to address concerns and problems in Evansville nursing homes and licensed assisted living facilities. VOICES, Inc. is the only agency, in Vanderburgh County, dedicated solely to advocate for residents in these homes. Services include investigation of complaints, resolution of problems and protection of resident rights. Additional services include information/training to nursing home staff, residents and the general public on nursing home issues - these issues are quality of life and care, selection of a nursing home and sources of payment for care.

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.

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 change laws, regulations and policies that affect those who live in long-term care facilities

Ombudsman Advice:

A nursing home must allow residents to make suggestions and complaints relating to his/her quality of life and treatment. A nursing home resident may contact the Ombudsman any time. Also, any resident, family member, visitor or staff may file a complaint with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) by calling their toll free number at (800)246-8909. The person filing the complaint may request that their name be kept confidential. Any retaliation, including verbal criticism, against anyone filing a complaint is against the law!

Click HERE for more information on Resident Rights

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