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
Summer 2008 Volunteer Newsletter (.pdf)
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.
