How Does it Work?

The ABLE Long-Term Ombudsman Program serves 10 northwest Ohio counties, including Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky, Williams, and Wood.

Staff members are certified by the Ohio Department of Aging, and have professional backgrounds in law, social work, nursing, and health care. They respond to, investigate, and resolve complaints ranging from unappetizing food and inadequate hygiene to violations of civil rights, abuse, neglect, admission and discharge problems.

ABLE's Long-Term Care Ombudsmen also help resolve concerns regarding billing and access to services. Ombudsmen work with the consumer, family members, or other representatives and long-term care providers to resolve problems and concerns about quality of care and quality of life.

In addition to complaint resolution, our Ombudsman staff also provide:

• Information about selecting a nursing home or adult care facility;
• Information relating to Medicaid and Medicare, as well as other state and federal programs affecting long-term care services; and
• A complete list of resident rights as mandated by Ohio legislation.

Ombudsmen are available to educate the community by speaking with groups regarding long-term care issues. They also monitor and support laws affecting older persons.