Mandated by the federal Older Americans Act and the Illinois Act on Aging, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes the rights and quality of life for people who reside in long-term care facilities (nursing homes). This is done through regional ombudsmen who have a hands-on working relationship with the residents and staff of the facilities within their program areas.

http://www.state.il.us/aging/1abuselegal/ombuds.htm

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen protect, defend and advocate for residents by:

• Informing residents and their families of their rights; 
• Resolving complaints; 
• Providing information on residents needs/concerns to their families, facility staff and their community; and 
• Advocating for good individualized care. 

The Ombudsman program is available to:

• Residents* of any long-term care facility; 
• Friends and relatives of persons who live in long-term care facilities; 
• Long-term care facility staff members and administrators with resident-related concerns; 
• Individuals and families who are considering nursing home placement as a long-term care option; 
• The community at large; and
• Other interested groups concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities.

* The Illinois Department on Aging defines a resident as a person 60 or older who is either a current resident, a prospective resident, or a former resident of a long-term care facility. 

When contacted, an Ombudsman will:

• Listen to resident and family concerns; 
• Keep all information confidential;
• Involve the resident and/or family in the investigation and resolution plan; and
• Seek to resolve problems within the facility. 

Reasons to contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program... 

• To report a problem or concern; 
• To seek information about long-term care facilities; 
• To learn more about Illinois' Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program; or 
• To get answers to questions about:
  • Facility services or standards; 
  • Medical coverage; 
  • Resident rights; and/or
  • Transfer or discharge. 

For more information, please contact Audrey L. Thompson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 847-448-8173 or athompson@cityofevanston.org