Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
ECIAAA's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program promotes a community presence in long-term care facilities and responds to inquiries and complaints made by, or on behalf of residents of nursing homes, assisted living and supportive living facilities.
The Ombudsman Program works in cooperation with the statewide Nursing Home Hotline, which handles complaints about nursing home care and reports of suspected abuse and neglect.
ECIAAA has 1 Regional Ombudsman, and 4 Ombudsman.
To reach the Ombudsman program
Call our office at (309) 829-2065 or toll-free at 1-800-888-4456, Choose Option 4
Call the Long Term Care Ombudsman Intake Voicemail at (309) 829-2065 ext. 1207
Contact our Regional Ombudsman Angie Baker: Contact info available on Our Staff page
What is an Ombudsman?
Ombudsman is a Swedish word meaning citizen's representative. A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate who seeks to resolve complaints on behalf of people who recieve long-term care services.
The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program stives to protect and promote the rights and quality of life for those who reside in long-term care facilities.
What does an Ombudsman do?
- Recieves, investigates and works to resolve compaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities.
- Seeks a regular presence in all long-term care facilities.
- Assures that the interests of residents are represented to policymakers and governmental agencies.
- Provides educational programs to the community and conducts in-service training to facility staff.
- Assists in developing resident councils and family councils in long-term care facilities.
Anyone can contact an Ombdsman...
- Current or potential residents of long-term care facilities
- Relatives and friends of long-term care residents
- Long-term care employees and administrators
- Representatives of agencies and professional groups
- Members of community groups or citizens interested in improving long-term care
Residents of long-term care facilities have numerous rights under federal and state law. Some of these rights, in abbreviated form are listed below:
- Right to be informed about and excersie your rights
- Right to freedom from chemical and physical restraints
- Right to know about services and financial charges
- Reight to participate in planning you care and treatment
- Right to refuse treatment
- Right to confidentiality of records
- Right to privay
- Right to control your finances
- Right to freedom from abuse, neglect and exploitatoin
- Right to express grievances without fear of retaliation
- Rights pertainig to admissions, transfers and discharges including the right to appeal
- Right to communicate freely with persons of your choice
- Right to purchase and install audio and/or video devices with consent of their roomate and after notifying the facility