Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

State calls for ombudsmen for local nursing facilities

There are two nursing homes in Nevada County and a state program is searching for volunteers who can help keep an eye on the performance of those facilities.

Judy Hughes, South West Arkansas Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator, addressed members of Rotary during the July 17 meeting. Hughes said the word ombudsman originated in Sweden and was first used to designate those who were liaisons between the people and the government. Today, the word is used to signify those who act as liaisons between nursing home residents and those who ensure the safe operation of those facilities.

Hughes was joined by Debra Hanson, also with the regional program.

You do have two nursing homes in your fair town, Hanson said. And they are very well run nursing homes. But any nursing home has the potential for problems.

According to information provided by the two women, ombudsmen are asked to spend about two hours each week in one nursing home. The job of the volunteer is not to spy on the workers, but to befriend the residents. Once residents trust the volunteer, that person becomes someone residents can confide in if problems do arise.

Then the volunteer reports that information to Hughes. Hanson said the volunteer neednt check into the allegations and has no other responsibility, other than keeping information confidential from the nursing home staff.

Youre going in as a friendly visitor, Hanson said. Youre the good cop. Im the bad cop.

Both Hanson and Hughes said the program works because ombudsmen live in the community and can drop in at various times.

They dont know when the ombudsman is coming, Hanson said. We want to keep them on their toes. The bottom line is we want good care for our loved ones.

Volunteers arent paid, but do receive mileage for their travel. There is a required training session for anyone who wants to become an ombudsman.

To volunteer or for more information, contact Hughes at 800-272-2127 or 940-5106.