Be a Long-Term Care Volunteer
What does a Long-term care volunteer Ombudsman do?
- Visits residents on a regular basis: Four hours a month on your own schedule.
- Listens to residents' concerns and problems while visiting
- Reports to the Ombudsman staff who will supervise and guide volunteers while they respond to the needs of residents
Training Schedule for those wishing to Volunteer with the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program:
The training consists of an initial 36 hours of training and 18 hours of Continuing Education annually. The 36 hours include 16 hours of class time, 7 hours of self-study work and 13 hours of visiting facilities with the Volunteer Coordinator. Training is held one day each week for 5 weeks with a certification exam the 6th week.
Training Dates for 2023:
January 18th to February 22nd
March 8th to April 12th
September 6th to October 11th
October 25th to November 29th or December 6th
For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Dotty Young, at 937-223-4613 extension 109.
What happens after that?
- When initial training is completed, the Volunteer Coordinator will accompany the volunteer on an introductory visit to one or more long-term care facilities for a guided tour and an opportunity to meet some staff members and ask questions. Then, the volunteer visits regularly. These visits help build a bond with the residents who will then trust that you are ready to advocate for them.
How are facilities assigned?
- Most volunteers visits a facility near their home. After training, we will discuss which facilities are in need of a volunteer and which one you would prefer to visit.
What is the time commitment?
- We ask for a minimum of four hours per month and a commitment of one year. This enables each volunteer to gain valuable experience as a volunteer ombudsman and to get to know the residents. Volunteer visits are unscheduled, and we recommend that you vary the time and days on which you enter facilities to visit with residents.
What experience do volunteers need?
- The most important requirements are compassion and respect for older persons, along with common sense. You should also enjoy both talking and listening, and having a ready smile. There is a minimal amount of reporting about your visits online.
What are the rewards for the volunteer ombudsman?
- Perform volunteer work on your own schedule
- Learn about the many aspects of Long-Term Care and services for the elderly
- Perform meaningful advocacy for good quality care and resident's rights
How do I sign up?
- Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at (937) 223-4613 or 1-800-395-8267. Or click here to fill out our online volunteer form.
