Advocate for Elders in Your Community

If you have four hours to volunteer per week, consider becoming a Certified Ombudsman Volunteer.  This role is where you advocate on behalf of the resident, educate staff and families about resident rights, and investigate quality of care concerns.  

We don’t resolve neglect or abuse issues, but we are often the first to notice and report these elder abuse issues. Ultimately, your efforts as an advocate and documenting your cases, you can improve the long-term care system for everyone now and for the future.  

You work in your assigned facility and use your skills to solve problems that are important to the residents.  Some are simple, like fixing a billing error or food issue, but others can be life changing for a resident, like advocating for better medication procedures, proper personal care with respect, or the right to exercise some personal freedoms.  It is a challenging role, but very rewarding.  Becoming a Certified Ombudsman is a great way to use your professional skills that will keep you active and sharp for sure!  

Certified Ombudsman are needed in the Milwaukie area.  Want to learn more? Visit oltco.org or contact Julie Maw, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, at Julie.Maw@rights.oregon.gov or 971-600-6149.