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Advocates for seniors and disabled adults living in long-term care facilities are needed in San Bernardino County.
The Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is recruiting volunteer advocates who will be trained and certified to investigate and monitor long-term care facilities and resolve complaints on behalf of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
Ombudsmen investigate reports of abuse, neglect or mistreatment of individuals in long-term care facilities. They also monitor nursing homes and board and care facilities regularly to ensure residents understand their rights and other free services available to them. Volunteers must be over the age of 18, submit to a free background check and not have worked in a long-term care facility for at least one year. Free training is available to obtain state certification with classes forming in the San Bernardino area. Schedules are flexible and include evenings and weekends.
“This is an opportunity for members of our community to come together to support resident rights and achieve the best possible quality of life for all long-term care residents in our county,” said Sharon Nevins, director of DAAS. “We look forward to training new volunteers to make a difference in the lives of seniors and disabled adults throughout our county.”
For more information on becoming an ombudsman volunteer, call 1-866-229-0284.
