Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program

Mission: To be a regional leader and catalyst in supporting older adults to lead more independent, vibrant lives.

The Ombudsman Program is a federally mandated, long-term care advocacy program authorized by the Older Americans Act. The purpose of the Ombudsman Program is to promote excellent quality of care and life for individuals living in long-term care facilities.

The Ombudsman Program is housed at the Area Agency on Aging located at the Land of Sky Regional Council. The Area Agency on Aging promotes the well-being of older adults and their families by partnering with organizations to provide a comprehensive system of opportunities, services, and protective services. The organization envisions that everyone in the area can age with dignity, purpose, and connection to the community.

The Ombudsman Program supports residents of long-term care facilities by engaging in the following activities:

• Advocating for residents of long-term care facilities.
• Visiting long-term care facilities to ensure that the Residents’ Bill of Rights is followed.
• Investigating and resolving complaints about long-term care facilities.
• Providing public education and outreach services to identify and prevent elder abuse.
• Receiving and reviewing reports of elder abuse and neglect.
• Developing a long-term care housing directory for four counties in western North Carolina.
• Providing information and education on long-term care issues to members of the community.