Idaho’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who are available to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents residing in a facility, are open to the public again. The program has had many challenges over the last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilities were locked down, and residents experienced unpreceded loneliness. The Ombudsman Program can again provide in-person visits with our vulnerable clients, and advocate for the rights of residents. The program performs 55 facility visits in the Magic Valley and are always in need of volunteers to help us in this vital work.
The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 guarantees nursing home residents their individual rights, including but not limited to: individualized care, respect, dignity, the right to visitation, the right to privacy, the right to complain, and the right to make independent choices.
The Ombudsman duties are to:
- Advocate for the rights of residents
- Investigate complaints
- Provide education
- Provide consultations
- Be accessible to residents and make routine visits to facilities
The Ombudsman Program for South Central Idaho is located at the CSI Office on Aging in the County West Building at 650 Addison Ave. West, in Twin Falls. It serves the Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls areas. For long-term care questions or concerns, or to become a Volunteer Assistant Ombudsman, contact the local Ombudsman at (208) 736-2122.