[Archived] City of Alexandria Seeks Volunteers for Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	July 25, 2005 PIO# 237-05/rdo	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

City of Alexandria Seeks Volunteers for
Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Many long-time, vibrant citizens of Alexandria now reside in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They gave of their time and energy to make the City of Alexandria a great place to live; now it’s time to give back to them in their time of need.

The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking persons who are diplomatic, assertive, and good communicators to serve as volunteer ombudsmen. Using the skills of listening, observing, and mediating, volunteer ombudsmen make weekly visits to various facilities and work with residents, their families and staff to ensure that residents’ rights are protected. Volunteers dedicate four hours per week each year.

A heavy dependence on a facility’s staff for basic daily care causes many residents to feel especially vulnerable. Others are unable to advocate for themselves or lack family members to aid them. Some of the complaints that volunteers have handled include: insufficient help to eat or drink; staff shortages; food quality or choice; inadequate hygiene care; inaccessible nurse-calling devices; lack of meaningful activities; and safety hazards. Volunteer ombudsmen have often suggested creative solutions that a facility’s staff has adopted.

The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will be conducting interviews of applicants during the summer. The next annual training session is scheduled for Sept. 12, 13, and 23 in Fairfax. Following the assignment, ongoing training and support will be provided. The ombudsman program is funded in part by the City of Alexandria’s Office on Aging and Adult Services. For further information or to volunteer, call the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 703.324.5435, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ombudsman.

# # #