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Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care

What is the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care?

The Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care is a program of the Minnesota Board on Aging. Regional ombudsmen and volunteers work to enhance the quality of life and services for people receiving long-term care services. The program advocates for person-centered living throughout the health care continuum. The program also advocates for reform in long-term care through changes in state law, federal law and administrative policy.

What is an ombudsman?

An ombudsman is an independent consumer advocate. Ombudsmen:

• Investigate complaints concerning the health, safety, welfare and rights

• Work to identify problems and resolve individual concerns

• Offer information and consultation about long-term care services and consumer rights and regulations

• Resolve disputes between consumers and providers about long-term care services

• Work with providers to promote a culture of person-directed living

Whom do ombudsmen serve?

• Anyone seeking consultation about long-term care services

• Medicare beneficiaries with hospital access or discharge concerns

• People receiving home care services

• Resident of other adult care homes (i.e. housing with services, assisted living, customized living or foster care)

• Residents of nursing homes and boarding care homes, including veterans' homes.

How can an ombudsman help?

Ombudsmen handle complaint and problems related to:

• Quality of care

• Rights violations

• Discharge or eviction

• Service termination

• Public benefit programs

How do I find an ombudsman?

For information and assistance, call (651) 431-2555, toll-free at 1 (800) 657-3591, TDD/TTY call 711 or locate you're regional Ombudsman in the Staff Directory.

Write to us at:

Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
P.O. Box 64971
St. Paul, MN 55164-0971

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