Stay Informed -- Section One:

Get Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not covered here, please send your question in email to:

LTCOP@solid-ground.org

1. What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTC Ombudsman)?

A LTC Ombudsman is an advocate for residents living in long term care facilities.  Ombudsmen assist residents and their families to achieve the highest level of quality of life and quality of care, a right guaranteed residents by law.  All LTC Ombudsmen are trained, certified, and authorized by the Washington State LTC Ombudsman Program.

For a Description of LTC Ombudsman duties as defined by Washington State Law, click here:

2. What settings does an LTC Ombudsman work in?

We work in four long term care settings:  nursing homes, boarding homes (also called assisted living facilities), adult family homes, and state operated veteran's homes.

3. What does an Ombudsman do ?

An LTC Ombudsman provides:

-ADVOCACY:  LTC Ombudsmen serve as the voice of the resident in promoting resident rights and needs.

-ACCESS to information and services: LTC Ombudsmen visit facilities, respond to calls on our Hotline, and speak to resident, family, staff, and community groups.

-EDUCATION & SUPPORT:  LTC Ombudsmen provide information on resident rights to residents, family members, as well as long term care facility staff. 

-COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION & RESOLUTION:  LTC Ombudsmen investigates complaints made by or on behalf of residents.

-CONSULTATIONS:  Through our Hotline and facility visits, LTC Ombudsmen respond to questions and offer information on all aspects of long term care.

4. Who pays for the services of an LTC Ombudsman?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) provides services free of charge. The LTCOP is funded through a mix of federal, state, and community funds.

5.  Is the LTCOP part of Washington State government?

No.  The LTCOP is an independent, privatized program administered throughout Washington by various not-for-profit agencies.  In King County, the LTCOP is administered by the Fremont Public Association.

6. How is the LTCOP organized in Washington State?

The LTCOP has a State Ombudsman, Assistant State Ombudsman, and 14 Regional Ombudsmen.  Regional Ombudsmen are responsible for providing services to one or more counties.  Volunteer Ombudsman report to a Regional Ombudsman.  Some regions also have Staff Ombudsmen.

7. What types of issues does a LTC Ombudsman handle?

We get involved in a wide range of issues, including quality of life, quality of care, financial, discharge, lost property, and Medicare/Medicaid issues.

8.  What types of issues don’t you directly handle?

The LTC Ombudsman can assist the complainant in writing the complaint and send it to DSHS, or we can give the complainant the DSHS Hotline number so that they may call in the complaint directly. We generally don’t investigate issues concerning abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and care issues involving medical expertise.  In these situations, we recommend that the complaint be investigated by DSHS.