What We DoOmbudsmen are certified by the State of California to:

n Make unannounced, regular visits to licensed long-term care facilities for seniors

n Mediate, and attempt to resolve, residents’ concerns

n Investigate Abuse and Neglect Complaints

n Provide unbiased placement information and referrals to long-term care facilities

n Witness the signing of Advanced Health Care Directives in nursing facilities

n Educate families and the community on long-term care issues

n Report serious facility violations to state licensing agencies

We Understand. We Care. We Help.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman ProgramSupport and Advocacy for Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities

Promoting the independence, health and dignity of adults through compassion, education, and advocacy.

Call Us – We Can Help1-800-300-6222

Who We AreThe Council on Aging – Orange County has been a trusted source of unbiased information for over 41 years, providing programs and services to more than 215,000 adults and families annually.

The Ombudsman Program is a federally and state mandated program that was created to ensure that the rights of residents in long-term care facilities are respected. Our mission is to empower residents through advocacy, mediation, and complaint investigation and resolution.

In Need of Immediate Help?Ombudsman Services are free and confidential. Do you: n Have concerns about quality of care?n Think you are a victim of financial abuse?n Have an abuse complaint?n Know your rights as a resident?

A non-profit 501(c)(3)corporation

Long-Term Care Ombudsman ProgramSupport and Advocacy for Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities.

Council on Aging – Orange CountyOmbudsman Program 1971 E. 4th Street, Suite 200 Santa Ana, CA 92705–3917

714.479.0107 714.479.0234 fax www.coaoc.org

A non-profit 501(c)(3)corporation

Council on Aging Programsn Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program

(HICAP) – Provides unbiased, individualized counseling and group seminars to help Medicare recipients maximize benefits, understand health plan choices and resolve denial of services.

n ReConnect Program – Reintegrates Orange County’s isolated adults and older adults into the community, incorporating healthy and meaningful activities into their lives.

n Friendly Visitor Program – Provides over 4,000 hours annually of companionship and social support to isolated, frail adults.

n Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) – Refers individuals to appropriate community resources and educates them about fraud committed by scam artists, caregivers, friends, and family members.

n SmileMakers Guild – Mobilizes community support and provides holiday gifts to over 3,300 residents of skilled nursing and residential care facilities.

n Education – Provides seminars for individuals and corporations covering important topics such as Medicare, caregiving, long-term care and healthy aging.

n Answers Guide – Packed with informative articles, Answers is Orange County’s premier resource with valuable information on housing, caregiving, healthcare resources, community services and Medicare comparison charts.

You should see our poster in all Orange County long-term facilities

All licensed skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities are required by law to prominently display the Ombudsman poster. Emergency calls are referred to appropriate resources for immediate action 24 hours a day.

87%of every dollar spent directly supports our programs & services.

We are funded by individuals, corporations, grants, and

government programs.

We rely on the support of dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer and learn more at www.coaoc.org