Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program supports residents of nursing homes and rest homes through advocating for residents' rights and quality care, educating consumers and providers, and resolving residents' complaints. The Program was established in 1972 by the Older Americans Act, administered by the Administration on Aging. Additional information is available through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.
Ombudsman services are available to residents of long-term care facilities, family members/friends of those residents, long-term care facility administrators or employees with concerns about a resident at their facility, any individual or citizen's group interested in the welfare of residents, and individuals and families who are considering long-term care placement.
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman:
- Identifies, investigates, and resolves complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care residents; Identities of residents and complainants are kept confidential unless the person making the complaint consents to having such information released, or abuse or neglect are involved.
- Refers individuals to other appropriate agencies for assistance when resolution of a concern is not possible through the Ombudsman Program (Ombudsman does not have any powers or direct authority over the long-term care facility);
- Provides information to residents and the general public on nursing homes and other long term care facilities and services, residents' rights, and legislative and policy issues;
- Provides information and assist consumers in selecting a long-term care facility;
- Promotes the development of citizen organizations, family councils and resident councils; and
- Advocates for residents' rights and quality care in nursing homes, personal care, residential care and other long-term care facilities.
Contact Your Ombudsman
Ombudsman Regional Director
Contact your Ombudsman Regional Director for assistance and for the contact information for the Ombudsman assigned to a specific long-term care facility.
MA Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
1 Ashburton Place
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108-1518
Telephone: