The Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman identifies, investigates, and resolves complaints relating to older Alaskans who reside in long term care facilities.

What Is The Long Term Care Ombudsman?

The Long Term Care Ombudsman is a specially trained and certified state government employee who has been given authority by Federal and Alaska Statutes to advocate for vulnerable older Alaskans who reside in nursing and assisted living homes. The Ombudsman's advocacy mission includes investigating and resolving complaints relating to seniors whose health, safety, welfare or rights are being harmed in a long term care facility. The Ombudsman is also authorized to investigate complaints against public and private agencies when seniors' residential circumstances are at risk. The Ombudsman's staff provide consultations and referrals to members of the public. Finally the Long Term Care ombudsman advocates for public policies and laws that protect seniors' safety and rights.

The Ombudsman Can:

• Investigate and resolve complaints.
• Visit facilities to meet with residents and evaluate conditions.
• Ensure that residents are receiving legal, financial, social, medical, rehabilitative and other services to which they are entitled. 
• Act as mediator between residents, family members, facility staff, and long term care service providers.
• Provide information to the public about long term care facilities and programs. 
• Assist with the establishment of resident and family councils. 
• Represent residents' interests before local, state, and federal government by working to change laws, regulations and policies that affect those who live in long term care settings.