Volunteer ombudsmen sought to assist elderly, disabled

Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter | May 02, 20190

Whitman County is in need of people who can listen and speak up for those whose voices are fading or hard to hear. Volunteer ombudsmen help residents in adult family homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities have a better quality of life by listening to their concerns and watching out for their well-being.

There are 26 facilities in Whitman County providing care to elderly or disabled, but only one ombudsman; and that volunteer is cutting back.

“To say we could really use some volunteers there is an understatement,” stated Eastern Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Director Aaron Riley. “We’re hoping to get some out to our next training in May.”

SNAP Communications has been the contracted provider for the LTCO program in this area for 29 years. Historically, Whitman County has had four to five ombudsmen at a time. Riley noted the ideal number would be 13 so each person can be assigned two facilities to cover the county. The current volunteer has been working with five facilities, but health issues are forcing even that work back.

According to SNAP, ombudsman volunteers visit residents, listen to their concerns and advocate for solutions. Some situations can be resolved with a quick conversation and others can be more involved and complex, such as assisting with a legal issue or an issue with medical billing. While the ombudsman is the man on the ground to talk to and listen to residents and their concerns, they also work with facility staff, social workers and program staff to resolve the issues. Riley noted program staff is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to provide support and technical assistance to the volunteers.

Many times, all that is needed is a listening ear for a person who feels lonely and isolated. Ombudsmen are companions, educators and advocates. They spend about four hours each week visiting with residents of their assigned facilities and help advocate for the most workable solution for not only the resident, but also their family and facility staff.

Although the program is voluntary, travel expenses are reimbursed.

In addition to support from staff, ombudsman receive training and have multiple continued education opportunities throughout the year. Attending six of the 10 in-service trainings throughout the year is all that is needed to retain the certification. Training is free and travel reimbursements are provided.

Dates for the next training are May 24, 29, 30 and 31. Prior to training, prospective volunteers need to be interviewed, screened and approved.

For those interested in learning more about the program or applying, Riley said they can call 509-456-7133, email LTCOP@snapwa.org or visit the website at http://www.snapwa.org/services-we-provide/i-am-a-senior/ombudsman/