What we do: The office coordinates the
work of long-term care ombudsmen, who act as advocates for residents of long-term care
facilities across the state. The office works to improve the quality of life for
residents of long-term care facilities across the state. It also recruits and
oversees the efforts of volunteer long-term care ombudsmen.
Become a Volunteer Ombudsman
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Gilbert Cruz
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 1041
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1251
Voice: (785) 296-3017
Toll Free: 1-877-662-8362 (Kansas only)
Fax: (785) 296-3916
Email: Contact Us
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Contact Us
- To request information, or to express concern about a situation involving a long-term
care facility resident, please use our comments feature
Newsletters
Spring 2008 Volunteer Newsletter (.pdf)
Winter 2008 Volunteer Newsletter (.pdf)
Fall 2007 Volunteer Newsletter (.pdf)
Resident Rights
- To exercise your rights as a resident and as a citizen
- To be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity
- To voice grievances without fear or reprisal
- To be free from mental and physical abuse, and to be free
from chemical and physical restraints
- To have privacy in care and treatment and to associate and
communicate privately with whomever you choose
- To manage your personal and financial affairs; to make
choices and independent decisions
- To keep and use personal belongings and to maintain a secure
place for those possessions.
- To participate in planning your care and treatment
- To participate in social, religious, and community
activities; to participate in the resident council
- To be discharged or transferred only for medical reasons,
your own welfare or that of others, or for non-payment.
What is an Ombudsman?
- An advocate for residents of long-term care
facilities
- A person who is concerned with protecting
the civil and human rights of elderly persons in long-term care facilities.
- A problem solver and mediator
- An objective investigator of complaints
Who can use an Ombudsman?
- Residents in any long-term care facility,
including nursing homes and personal care homes for the elderly
- Friends and relatives of long term care residents
- Long term care staff members and
administrators with resident-related concerns.
What does an Ombudsman do?
- Provides a place where a long term care
facility resident or family can discuss a problem and receive assistance.
- Helps long-term care residents obtain
legal, social, physical, and emotional services for the highest quality of life.
- Helps long-term care staff meet the needs
and concerns of those who use their facilities.
- Provides information about the long-tern
care system
- Receives and investigates complaints and
helps achieve equitable solutions.
When should you call an
Ombudsman?
- If you suspect abuse, neglect, or
exploitation of a long-term care resident
- If you have questions or concerns about:
- Medicaid coverage
- Resident rights
- Transfer or discharge
- To seek information about long-term care facilities
Other Resources
- Links to Other Web Sites of Interest
An annotated list of web sites that provide information of interest to seniors,
long-term care facility residents and care givers, as well as ombudsmen.
