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Volunteer Appreciation Week

The theme for the April 21-27, 2024 National Volunteer Week is Celebrate Service – an opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) could not be its best without the volunteers who help carry out the mission of advocating for long-term care residents.

In federal fiscal year 2022, staff and volunteers:

  • Worked to resolve 182,864 complaints initiated by residents, their families, and other concerned individuals;
  • Provided 407,817 instances of information and assistance to individuals;
  • Conducted 287,215 visits and 46,977 long-term care facilities received at least one visit.
  • Conducted 2,054 training sessions in facilities on such topics as resident rights;
  • Provided 162,072 instances of information and assistance to LTC facility managers and staff; and
  • Participated in 13,678 resident council and 1,079 family council meetings.

Thank your volunteers and recognize their work publicly by sending NORC brief messages of appreciation for their dedicated advocacy (e.g., examples of their advocacy, years of service, photos). We will post your message on our website and highlight the submissions on social media. Email your submissions to ombudcenter@theconsumervoice.org.

2023 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

2023 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Alaska

The Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program shared this Powtoon video to thank their volunteers and highlight what they do. They are also sending a letter and certificate of appreciation to all of their volunteers, and they are posting "Meet Our Volunteer" posts on social media. See examples of these posts here, here, and here

Kentucky

The Buffalo Trace District LTC Ombudsman program shared a tribute to and photo collage of their program volunteers.

Maryland

The Montgomery County MD Long Term Care Ombudsman Program hosted a statewide appreciation of volunteers with a day-long workshop of skills building, fun, and self-reflection with their mentors. The core elements of ombudsman work includes pro-bono advocates who are dedicated to improving the quality of life an care for residents in nursing homes and assisted living. Nationally renowned author and speaker, Karen Stobbe, guided participants in experiencing various techniques affirming the skills needed to work with individual with dementia while "IN THE MOMENT". Each ombudsman volunteer received an autographed copy with an individual message of appreciation for their service as a "dementia warrior." The author and presenter, Karen Stobbe, provides training and support for direct caregivers through development of materials, corporate curriculum, individual workshops, and public media including a recent presentation at the International TED MED Conference. She is a working actress and director, using improvisational techniques throughout the dementia workshop sessions. Karen co-authored the Hand-in-Hand CMS Training Curriculum for nursing homes. Karen is the former Director of Education for the Pioneer Network and totally immersed in person-centered principles. Her other credentials include working with training curriculum for the National Alzheimer's Assn and the Eden Alternative. She has been featured in featured on NPR and presented at the International TED MED Conference She is the Chief Purpose Officer of the non-profit "In the Moment". FREE Resources can be found at their NEW SITE for Families of persons living with Dementia: www.beinginthemoment.org.

  

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2022 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

2022 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Texas

District of Columbia

The D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program shared a video of their volunteers.

Florida

The Florida Ombudsman program shared pictures and videos of volunteer appreciation from different districts around the state. Watch videos from the West, East, and North Regions.

Idaho

The Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging in Meridian, ID spotlighted one of their LTCO Assistants - Judy D. in a video. The video was posted on the Agency's Facebook page.

Mary Bringman, Volunteer Coordinator said, "Both of our volunteers are amazing! Judy and Maylene. The are very caring and continue show empathy for our residents in the Treasure Valley. They easily converse with the residents. They are wonderful advocates and pay attention to details that surround their role. They have great communication  skills with the residents as well as the administrators. They continue to press forward amidst all the changes during the COVID crisis. Our agency is very blessed to have them!"

Indiana

A message from Esther Ransom Meeks, Social Media Coordinator, Indiana State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. "We have some incredible volunteers here in Indiana, including a whole team in Area 3, serving residents in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley counties. They provide friendly visits to our residents, keep an eye out for things of concern inside facilities, and do pajama drives for residents in their communities. We are also excited to have two newly-trained volunteers, Debbie Bouche and Pam Rogalski, over in Valparaiso who are going to be helping us with consumer education."

Louisiana

2022 Louisiana Ombudsman Program Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon that was held at the Audubon Clubhouse in New Orleans, LA. 

Maryland

To the Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman  Program Volunteers and to Ombudsman Program Volunteers across the country:

Thank you for donating your time to the Ombudsman Program.  Your advocacy for residents in long-term care facilities is very important and appreciated.  We could not do this advocacy work without you!

From Stevanne Ellis, Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Maryland

On 9/12/2022, the Montgomery County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program hosted an intense day of learning with Dr. Susan Wehry, a nationally recognized geriatric psychiatrist and speaker. Joined by other Ombudsman colleagues from across Maryland and DC, the staff and volunteers were engaged in:

Reflect, Reclaim, Recharge: From Collective Trauma to Post-Pandemic Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone but perhaps none more than people who live and work in long-term care and their families and friends. As we recover from this unprecedented event — at least in our lifetimes— we take stock of where we've been, what we've learned and where we're headed. Drawing on her work post 9/11, the aftermath of Katrina and during the pandemic, Dr. Wehry explained the natural cycles of disasters, the brain's response to unrelenting stress and how to use this knowledge to nurture our resilience, restore balance, and move forward with renewed optimism, hope and confidence.

Lori Smetanka shared the overview of The Consumer Voice and Stevanne Ellis, the Maryland State Ombudsman did a session about involuntary discharges using the Enhancing Your Advocacy Toolbox.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) celebrated their Certified Ombudsman Volunteers (COV) this year with a Virtual Volunteer Appreciation Get Together. During our online celebration Ombudsman and staff members surprised our COVs by popping into the get together. They shared with the COVs what they appreciated most about them and provide great tips to help our COVs promote the mission of the MN LTCOP. Ombudsmen who attended the event included our State Ombudsman Cheryl Hennen and 21 other Ombudsmen. As a token of our appreciation volunteers received an artistic wooden puzzle in the mail with a note saying  “You are an essential piece of the puzzle in bringing meaningful change to the lives of the residents we serve”. Ombudsman volunteers were also recognized with a special highlight section in our monthly Ombuzz newsletter.

Missouri

Ohio

The Ohio Ombudsman program issued a press release for National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Volunteers will also be receiving a branded ‘padfolio’ and the program will be recognizing their service at the next statewide continuing education event.

Texas

A Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman program shared this Facebook post to thank their volunteers.

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2021 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

2021 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Alaska

The Office of the Alaska State Long-Term Care Ombudsman handed out swag bags and cookies to volunteers. Since the program is in one office for a large state and many of their volunteers couldn’t join them, the goodies will be mailed to them. The program purchased the National Consumer Voice safety bag (PPE) at the beginning of COVID and they made a great starting point to add to the swag bags that were handed out. This was also posted on the program's Facebook page www.facebook.com/akoltco

California

This video was made for the valued volunteers at the San Francisco Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. 

Delaware

Below is a thank you message to volunteers from Delaware’s Volunteer Services Administrator, William K. Gadola.

Dear Ombuddie,

Behind every successfully organization there is an extraordinary volunteer team. Looking at you, I understand what volunteering is all about. You care so deeply, and you step up to support the things you believe in regardless.

We have not thanked you enough, and want to let you know that your dedication is essential to the work that we do. We cannot do it without you. We would not want to do it without you. You bring ideas, positive energy and a beautiful intensity.

While others work their way towards being different, you strive towards making a difference. Your passion and energy are unparalleled, and I respect your spirit of volunteerism immensely. We are so very grateful to have your help, and for so many in whose lives you make a tangible difference.

Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. 

Louisiana

In Louisiana, bookmarks were created and passed out to volunteers during a volunteer appreciation luncheon.

 

Maryland

This letter was sent to the local Volunteer Ombudsmen in Prince George’s County, Maryland to show the program's appreciation. 

Baltimore County Ombudsman celebrated their volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week by recognizing them with a virtual certificate and a specially crafted poem. The program wanted to say thank you to the volunteer for the cherished years of service and advocacy. In this age and era, where time is precious, volunteers took time from their busy lives to help out. Baltimore County Ombudsman Program is so grateful for the volunteers’ hard work.

Massachusetts

This volunteer appreciation video was created by Massachusetts Ombudsman Program Director, Julianna Santiago, of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands. 

Minnesota

The Minnesota long-term care Ombudsman program always recognizes National Volunteer Week with a special highlight section in the monthly Ombuzz newsletter. Earlier this year, certified long-term care Ombudsman volunteers were sent Ombudsman facemasks and a formal recognition event will be hosted once we are able to meet safely.

Ohio

The Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is proud and grateful to have 238 certified Ombudsman volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of care and life for Ohio’s long-term care consumers. Despite the challenges faced in 2020, Ohio’s Ombudsman volunteers collectively donated a total of 7,433 hours and reached nearly 16,000 consumers and family members. These champions of change in their communities are making sure consumers are able to exercise choice in their daily lives and expect excellence in their care. To recognize them, the Office created yard signs that will be delivered by regional ombudsmen. Volunteers will also be provided other tokens of appreciation during these visits.

South Carolina

These yard signs from the South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) are sparking conversations with neighbors as well as bringing smiles to the LTCOP volunteer representatives. Under normal circumstances, the South Carolina volunteers make weekly visits to their assigned facility. They help to improve the quality of life for residents and bring about awareness of critical issues such as Residents’ Rights. During COVID-19, volunteers are taking different steps to reach out to residents, facilities, and families. In South Carolina volunteers have played a vital role in achieving the goal to stay connected to facilities to get updates and have been instrumental in the connection of residents and families via phone calls. View pictures of the yard signs here, here, and here.
 

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2020 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

2020 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

The theme for the April 19-25, 2020 National Volunteer Week is Celebrate Service.

Alaska

The Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office shared this Facebook post and emailed the same photo to volunteers with a note of thanks.

Michigan

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Ombudsman program celebrates its volunteers remotely. Shelby Coolbaugh, Administrative Manager for the MLTCOP, spent hours sewing face masks for volunteers and paid ombudsmen. She said "It is just a small way I feel I can contribute to the safety of others."  The State Ombudsman Office will be mailing two masks to each volunteer with a certificate of appreciation for their commitment to the program. View a photo of the masks.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Ombudsman programs always sends a “special edition” newsletter during volunteer week and hosts a more formal recognition event in the summer. 

Missouri

The Missouri State Long-Term Care Ombusdman, Jenny Hollandsworth, wrote a letter to volunteers thanking them for their work.

Ohio

The Northeast Ohio Ombudsman Program near Cleveland shared this photo on their Facebook page.

Linda Kerdolff, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Specialist with Pro Seniors, Inc. from Cincinnati shared this photo of their volunteers.

South Carolina

The Appalachian Region of South Carolina sent personalized thank you cards with $15.00 Publix gift cards to their volunteers. They are also posting a daily Facebook appreciation message on their page Volunteer Ombudsman Program Appalachian Region.

The Waccamaw Region of South Carolina sent journals to their volunteers along with other appreciation goodies and a protective facemask compliments of K&K Fashions of Royalty, see photo here.

Region 5 in South Carolina sent greeting cards of thanks with Downtown Dollars included to go shopping when downtown Aiken stores reopen. They also posted a thanks on their main office Facebook page which was shared by the regional Ombudsman's personal page with tags of the volunteer Ombudsmen. 

The Catawba Area of South Carolina has a small but extremely dedicated group of volunteers. This year we were able to treat the volunteers to a small gift set from a regional soap company. Sets included hand soap selections and hand cream - super important during the current crisis. We mailed hand written thank you notes, and are featuring a daily volunteer appreciation post on our AAA Facebook page. We also mailed notes to individuals who previously inquired about training with us (before the outbreak), to let them know we looked forward to having them join our program. Thanks to ALL of the Volunteers! Stay safe and heathy! - Sarah Dunning, Long Term Care Ombudsman Specialist

Texas

Texas Bexar and Alamo Ombudsman

We would like to share what our programs have been collaborating on in acknowledgement of Volunteer Appreciation week. This picture collage will be sent to our Volunteer Ombudsman and will be followed by a collage of individual thank you messages from our staff. Our final grand gesture we will be showing them a video collage of staff Ombudsman answering the question “What does a volunteer mean to me?” The video will be shown during a Volunteer Online GoToMeeting hosted by Bexar and Alamo Ombudsman staff.  Thank you for everything you do to support Ombudsman throughout our great nation! - Angela Menchaca, Ombudsman Outreach Specialist, Alamo Area Council of Governments, Area Agencies on Aging

We each took some time gathering some clipart that matched our thoughts, took some time to write, create sidewalk art, or create a poster board quote to try and express our gratitude for the work that our volunteers are doing for our program. We hope you enjoy all our collective thoughts.

Day 1 – Monday, April 21, Photo

Day 2 – Tuesday, April 22, 2020 Photo

Day 3 – Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Photo

Day 4 – Thursday, April 23 Video - We finished off the week by having an online meeting with volunteers where we shared our finale virtual token of appreciation which was a video collage of our staff answering the question “what do volunteers mean to me?”  We hope that you all enjoy as much as we enjoyed creating.  

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2019 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

 

2019 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Idaho


"Our ombudsman program in North Idaho is strong with 20 volunteer assistant ombudsmen. Managing all the facility visits and advocating for the many residents we serve would be a challenge without them. We are so grateful for their heart-centered dedication. Thank you!" –Jan Young, Regional Ombudsman—Roseanna Lewis, Associate Ombudsman and Volunteer Mentor-- Jan Noyes, Associate Ombudsmen and Volunteer Coordinator

Minnesota


"I would love to publicly recognize the wonderful work of the Minnesota Certified Ombudsman Volunteers. Here is a brief message to be shared highlighting some of their work." - Dana Manteufel, Volunteer Coordinator, Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care

New York


Gloria Murray is the Ombudsman Program Director for the Hudson Valley Ombudsman Program in New York State.  Below is a sample of the email she sent to their group of volunteers, thanking them for making a difference in the their program and in the lives of older adults residing in long-term care facilities.

Ohio


"Thank you to Ohio’s 200 valued Long-Term Care Ombudsman Associates who help residents expect excellence.  We appreciate the 9000+ hours donated to ensure that residents are comfortable in their home, exercise their right to choose, and receive quality care.  Happy National Volunteer Week!" - Bev Laubert, Ohio State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Pennsylvania


The Ombudsman Program of the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc., recognized the PEERs (Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents) at the DuBois Nursing Home.  Their photo appeared in the local newspaper.  

Thirteen residents of the DuBois Nursing Home were recently honored for their volunteer service in recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 7-13.  All residents completed a 10-hour training session to become Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Ombudsman Program.  They learned to advocate for themselves and their fellow residents and concluded a minimum of one year's service at DNH. Ombudsman Jeanne Urban presented each PEER with a copy of N. Jean Dobay's book, Turning aWarehouse into a Community: A Story of Humanity.  It is the story of how one resident's ideas sparked action that forever changed the nursing home industry and created a true home for 450 long-term care residents.

1st Row: PEERs Bob Roush, Joanna Frederick, A. Jayne Tucker, Alice Marvin, Nora Marie Davis, Joseph Roy &; Doris Broomall.
2nd Row: Ombudsman Jeanne Urban, PEERs Joanna Frederick, Mary Ann Kunselman, Patty Walker, Ted Davis, Benny Knepp, Carolyn Lettie & Karen Ford.
Missing from the photo is PEER Bill Blair.

 

Diana Davis, a resident of the DuBois Village Personal Care Home, was recently honored for her volunteer service in recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 7-13.  Diana has previously completed a 10-hour training session to become Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Ombudsman Program.  She learned to advocate for herself and for her fellow residents and concluded a minimum of one year's service at DuBois Village, where she is actively involved in the resident council.  Ombudsman Jeanne Urban presented Diana with a copy of N. Jean Dobay's book, Turning a Warehouse into a Community: A Story of Humanity.  It is the story of how one resident's ideas sparked action that forever changed the nursing home industry and created a true home for 450 long-term care residents.

 

Texas


"I, Jorge Soto Managing Local Ombudsman from the Rio Grande office in El Paso Texas, would like to thank all of my certified volunteers for the hard and great work that have provided to all the residents in El Paso. Thank you for your dedication and I hope you continue with us to advocate for those in need of a voice." - Jorge Soto, MSW, Managing Local Ombudsman, Area Agency on Aging Rio Grande Council of Government

Shazia Sultan, MPH, Managing Local Ombudsman, Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG), created this video to thank her volunteers.


"We celebrated with our Alamo and Bexar volunteers at our luncheon yesterday! We are so lucky to have such an amazing and giving group." - Heather Armstrong



 

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2018 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

What is your program doing to recognize the volunteers who give their time to visit and advocate with and for individuals that live in long-term care facilities? The week of April 15 to 21, National Volunteer Week, is a perfect time to reach out and say thanks for volunteering with your program and making a difference in the lives of the residents. 

Thank your volunteers and recognize their work publicly by sending NORC brief messages of appreciation for their dedicated advocacy (e.g., examples of their advocacy, years of service, photos). We will post your message on our website and highlight the submissions on our home page. Email your submissions to ombudcenter@theconsumervoice.org.

Alaska


We are proud to share pictures of our own Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer, Ray Tinjum, as he accepts the Ron Hammett Award for Outstanding Service to Seniors! This prestigious award is presented by the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, Municipality of Anchorage. Ray is pictured below with Theresa Brisky, RN/Administrator of Marlow Manor Assisted Living Facility where Ray volunteers as a resident advocate.

       

Idaho


Here are the current ombudsman volunteers with the Area Agency of North Idaho. Some of the volunteers are new this year and some have been with the program as long as 5 years. Each volunteer is assigned to a facility and each is doing an outstanding job of advocating for the residents!

Kentucky


In celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Week I wanted to share a few comments from residents about the wonderful volunteers who visit them and help them work to resolve concerns. - Sherry Culp, Kentucky State Ombudsman

I don't know what I would do without my buddy (ombudsman). She comes to check on me and if things aren't going right I can depend on her to help me get it worked out.

I don't have any family around here. He's just about the only person who comes to visit me. We've got a lot in common. We both like the Wildcats (UK) and grew up around the same place. He's good to talk to.

Hear Doris talk about her experiences below.

 

Texas


Alamo Area Council of Governments
We have given a luncheon for our agency Volunteers. The event was held on April 19th at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course in San Antonio, Texas. We had a keynote speaker and at the end of the event we handed out gifts of a new briefcase for their use with their volunteer position. They also received a thank you card with a 50th anniversary Fiesta Medal inside.

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2017 National Volunteer Appreciation Week

 

 

The week of April 23 to 29, National Volunteer Week, is a perfect time to reach out and say thanks for volunteering with your program and making a difference in the lives of the residents. 

Volunteer Appreciation Around the Nation

NORC encouraged ombudsman programs to thank their volunteers and recognize their work publicly by sending brief messages of appreciation for their dedicated advocacy (e.g. examples of their advocacy, years of service, photos). The messages are posted on this page of the website and will be highlighted on social media. Email your submissions to ombudcenter@theconsumervoice.org.

New York


Each year our the New York City Ombudsman Program acknowledges the important contributions New Yorkers make to the city through their service. The New York LTCOP is proud to announce the names of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen who have been awarded the Mayor’s Service Award for 2016 this April 2017. Many of these volunteers have helped with systems advocacy, mentored new volunteers, served 100 plus hours, and all have consistently advocated for their residents. 

Manhattan: Charles Gourgey

Brooklyn: Tama Lipton

Queens: Claudia Milton   

Brooklyn: Norma Mascarotti

Brooklyn: Donald Myrie

Brooklyn: Maryann Cerami.

Brooklyn: Evangeline Parker-Smith   

Queens: Charles Ephraim

Queens: Francine Balke 

Queens: Dolores Genentz

Bronx: Gary Cherebin

Queens: Mark Alexander

Brooklyn: Valerie Harris  

Brooklyn: Mary Johnson-Mills

Queens: Gloria White

Manhattan: Sheila Kresch

Queens: Ira Walkenfeld   

 Bronx: Edward Padilla

Brooklyn: Joan Hoberman 

This entire section will be implemented in Phase 1.

Bronx: Lyone Hall

Bronx: Priscilla Crowell

Manhattan: Miklos Toth

Bronx: Monica Jones-Roberts

Manhattan: Petronella Thomas

Manhattan: Renee Dunn

Queens: Yvonne Plummer

Brooklyn: Emanuel Turner

 

This award is being presented this April 2017. Below are photos of some of the ombudsmen doing outreach and one of Ira Walkenfeld receiving his 2016 President's Volunteer Service Award at the 2016 Volunteer Appreciation Event on December 10, 2016. The appreciation event is held every year in December. The LTCOP also offers an Ombudsman of the Month Award. Below is also a photo of the award for Manhattan ombudsman Petronella Thomas for April. 

          

Maryland


Cecil County

"I would like to thank Cecil County’s Volunteer Ombudsman, Rhonda Combs, who has been volunteering for just over 1 year. She has completed all required Tier 1 & Tier 2 trainings, attends extra trainings with myself, and is involved with the community by attending an Inner Agency Roundtable meeting each quarter. Most of all she displays dedication, consistency and trustworthiness as she visits and advocates for the residents in one nursing home and two assisted living facilities. I have benefited from her professionalism and her wealth of nursing knowledge. The local Ombudsman program has risen to a new level of effectiveness. - Sincerely, Dianne Croom"

Montgomery County

                                                                       
                                              Arthur Lappen, Volunteer Ombudsman, Montgomery County

On April 24, 2017, volunteer Ombudsman Arthur Lappen was selected to represent the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area on Cabot's Community Celebrity Cruise in early June. The Alaskan cruise will celebrate more than 60 "Community Celebrities" nationwide whose volunteer work has made a substantial impact on the lives of others. For more than 20 years, Lappen has been a volunteer advocate for the Montgomery County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in Maryland, working over 5,000 hours of service and making 2,500 regular visits to residents. 

To Lappen, volunteer advocacy is vital to ensuring that the rights of long-term care residents in Montgomery County are protected. “I volunteer as an ombudsman to give seniors a voice and insure that their statutorily mandated rights are respected,” said Lappen. “Long term care is best delivered when we listen to an individual's wishes, serve as the individual's advocate and reach the best possible outcome.”

Long-term care residents across Montgomery County know Lappen as a reliable, devoted advocate who is driven by a passion for positive change. His wife Margie will join him on the cruise soon after their 51st anniversary celebration. Eileen Bennett, Program Manager of the Montgomery County LTC Ombudsman Program, stated that the program is thrilled to see Lappen's hard work being celebrated along with so many other honorable volunteers. To read more about Arthurt Lappen and the seventh annual Cabot Community Celebrity Cruise, click here.

Montgomery County

Photos from the Volunteer Appreciation event Sunday, April 23, 2017 where Cabot Cheese Gratitude Grille prepared and provided the lunch for programs and it was announced that through competitive nomination the ombudsman volunteer, Arthur Lappen, was selected to be the DC Metro area representative on a cruise to Alaska along with other regional volunteers across the country.  

                                

Idaho


"We always have a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon every spring at a local restaurant. This year there will be 12 volunteers attending. We have a budget, of course, but we choose a place where we can easily converse with one another, that serves great food, and makes a special effort to support the recognition.  


Martin Petersen

While all the volunteers are recognized, there are two that deserve special recognition. Martin Petersen has been with the program since 2010. He has a big heart and an energetic personality. He makes the residents laugh, shows special interest in each one, and is effective in solving problems. He is our only volunteer that is assigned to both assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.


Paulette Anderson

Paulette Anderson has been in the program since 2012. She, too, has a big heart and gets to know the residents well by spending ample time with each one listening to their stories and concerns. Paulette is assigned to an assisted living facility with three houses. Both ombudsmen have been consistent in visiting, and dedicated to advocating for resident rights, quality of care and quality of life for all the residents they serve. We’re honored to have them on our team of exceptional volunteers. - Jan Noyes"

Ohio


The Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program recognizes their volunteers during statewide continuing education. There are 25 volunteers with at least 100 hours of service. These volunteers will receive pins and a letter from the Governor. 

 

Minnesota


"As State Ombudsman for Minnesota , myself and all staff officially thank MN Certified Ombudsman Volunteers and honor you. The  words are somewhat hard to find to express  our gratitude to you for choosing to join our statewide network of leaders and advocates working to improve the quality care and quality of life for elders needing long-term care services. Thank you  for the many hours you give making site visits, meeting with residents, and attending trainings. 

Thank you for your enthusiasm, your willingness to keep learning about long-term care by attending regional trainings. You are truly life-long learners.  Thank you for your patience with government bureaucracy which manifests itself in rules/policies/procedures, etc. and many documentation requirements.  MN Volunteers have helped us reach compliance with new Ombudsman Federal Regulation.

You choose to work to help long-term care residents when there are many other, probably more glamorous or “easy” volunteer opportunities available to you.  Many people are hesitant to step inside a long-term care setting. Nor do they want to confront their own aging.  It would be easy to choose to ignore persons who are losing their independence.  You serve the important role as the eyes, ears and voice for people, who need help and support to make their needs known or express a concern, and for those who simply can’t speak for themselves any longer. 

Your role is increasingly recognized by state and federal policy makers, legislators, and long-term care providers as a critical part of the quality assurance system to protect vulnerable adults.  Everyone recognizes that rules, regs and inspection are necessary, but not sufficient to assure best practices are carried out.  Long-term care settings are striving to continually improve quality. 

A change in culture , perception , and attitudes towards aging is necessary and relies on all citizens to create community awareness.  Any long-term care setting is a part of a community just like all other living establishments that make up neighborhoods all across the country.  This is what you as MN Ombudsman Volunteers provide with each and every  visit made to a long-term care residence.  Armed with knowledge and compassion you create awareness of what is expected and what is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

To all MN Certified Volunteers ,  I want to thank you especially for your compassion.  What you truly mean to the residents you visit on a regular basis is more than you may know.

-Cheryl Hennen
Minnesota State Long-Term Care Ombudsman"

Washington


Volunteer Ombudsmen in South West Washington.

Douglas Samuels, Volunteer Ombudsman, and top winner of volunteer hours in 2016 with 581 hours served. Douglas visits four assisted living and several adult family homes, and serves on our advisory committee as well.

Rose Robison, Volunteer Ombudsman, and top winner of all-time volunteer hours with 3138 hours served. Rose is 86 years young, has been a volunteer since December of 2001, and regularly visits one assisted living and multiple adult family homes.

Our annual recognition luncheon this past January, with 24 out of 32 volunteers attending. Each volunteer received a certificate for time served, a thank-you card with gift card included, as well as participation in a raffle of many donated prizes. Our volunteers in 2016 donated a total of 4763 hours!

California


The San Bernardino County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program would like to thank our highly-trained volunteers who continue to respond to the needs of residents living in skill nursing homes, residential care facilities and assisted living. These volunteers remain steadfast in their advocacy efforts to provide key services that make a difference in the lives of the residents they serve.

 

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