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Supporting Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Programs in
Resident Advocacy

Enhancing the skills, knowledge, and management capacity of Ombudsman programs to effectively represent resident interests in both individual and systems advocacy.

Are you a new Ombudsman representative?

About NORC

What We Do

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) provides support, technical assistance, and training to the 53 State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen and their statewide networks.

NORC’s objectives are to enhance the skills, knowledge, and management capacity of the State programs to enable them to effectively represent resident interests in both individual and systems advocacy. Funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), NORC is operated by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice).

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Training

Acquire knowledge and skills to enhance your expertise.

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Technical Assistance

Support, guidance, and best practices to navigate Ombudsman program management

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Resources

Information to assist Ombudsman programs in their advocacy and program management.

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Volunteer Support

Resources on recruitment, training, retention, and recognition of volunteers.

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What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program (Ombudsman program /LTCOP) advocates for individuals living in nursing homes, residential care communities (eg. board and care homes, assisted living facilities), and other similar adult care facilities. Under the Older Americans Act (OAA), every state is required to have an Ombudsman program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system.

Each state has an Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Office), headed by a full-time State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Ombudsman) who directs the program statewide. Across the nation, staff and thousands of volunteers are designated by State Ombudsmen as representatives to directly serve residents.

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Want to volunteer with an Ombudsman program?

Volunteers are the backbone of many Long-term Care Ombudsman programs (LTCOPs). With the help of volunteers, residents in long-term care facilities benefit from more access to Ombudsman program services. Volunteers visit facilities frequently to get to know residents and build trust, so residents feel comfortable sharing their concerns. Volunteers lend their time, talent, and voice to make a difference in their communities, and the LTCOP could not be its best without volunteers.

Connect With a Nearby Ombudsman Program to Explore Volunteer Opportunities:

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Resource Center Updates & News

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News

Rhode Island State Ombudsman, Lori Light, Is Interviewed on Involuntary Discharges

Lori Light, the State Ombudsman in Rhode Island, was interviewed about involuntary discharges and the…
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NewResource

New NORC Notables and Technical Assistance (TA) Tips on Social Media

To make sure you don’t miss important information, review our monthly recap, NORC Notables, with links…
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What Ombudsman Programs Are Saying

Our program has contacted NORC several times with questions needing specific clarification and technical assistance. We have also requested NORC to speak to our program and everyone has been extremely helpful and accommodating!

NORC continues to be an important resource for me as a State Ombudsman. NORC staff are very accommodating and strive to do their best when I ask for help. Don't know what I would do without them!

The handouts derived from the website have been and continue to be the best way to relay information about common topics (used for PNA, council meetings, etc.). I love having a concise, less wordy resource for folks.

When I have a resident issue and need examples of how to solve it, I look to the NORC. When I am documenting cases and need guidance, I go to NORC. During Resident Council meetings, I often read fact sheets from NORC.

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. Consumer Voice is a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates, and Ombudsman programs to help ensure individualized, quality care.

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