Ombudspeople advocate for the rights of long-term care residents in Philadelphia
For many older adults in long-term care facilities, navigating the complexities of daily life can be challenging, particularly when issues related to their care arise. But thanks to the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Ombudsman Program, residents have a powerful ally on their side — one committed to ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
The Ombudsman Program, a key initiative of PCA, safeguards the well-being and dignity of older adults living in nursing homes, personal care homes and other long-term care settings. Trained advocates, known as ombudspeople, visit these facilities regularly to investigate complaints, address concerns and help resolve conflicts. The program serves as a crucial resource for residents and their families, offering a confidential way to report issues ranging from quality of care to living conditions.
“Residents in long-term care facilities have fundamental rights that must be respected,” said Lynda Pickett, assistant director of volunteer services at PCA. “Our Ombudsman Program is here to make sure these rights are upheld, whether it’s being treated with dignity, the right to privacy, or the right to have a say in their own care.”
Championing residents’ rights
Among the core rights that the program seeks to uphold is the right to dignity and respect. Residents are entitled to receive care that’s free from neglect or discrimination. Equally important is their right to privacy, both in terms of their personal lives and medical treatment.
The program also emphasizes residents’ ability to participate in decisions regarding their care. “It’s vital that individuals in long-term care settings are not just passive recipients of care, but active participants in decisions that impact their daily lives,” Pickett added.
Another critical aspect of the program is ensuring that residents can voice concerns without fear of retaliation. Whether it is about the quality of their meals, staffing shortages or safety issues, residents are encouraged to speak up. Ombudspeople act as impartial intermediaries, advocating on behalf of residents while working with facility administrators to find resolutions.
Growing need for advocacy
In an era where long-term care facilities are under heightened scrutiny, advocacy programs like PCA’s Ombudsman are more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerabilities faced by those living in nursing homes, sparking increased demand for advocacy services. Nationwide, ombudsman programs have been credited with exposing gaps in care and urging policy changes to better protect residents.
PCA’s Ombudsman Program addresses both individual complaints and seeks to influence broader policy reform, promoting changes that enhance the quality of life for all long-term care residents. The program also works with facilities to resolve issues related to medications, nursing care, physician services and, when necessary, policies on the use of restraints. Ombudspeople also uphold residents’ rights to dignity; freedom from discrimination; and fair practices regarding admission, transfer and discharge from care.
For many residents, the peace of mind that comes from knowing there is an advocate on their side is invaluable.
As Philadelphia’s population continues to age, PCA’s Ombudsman Program is poised to play an even larger role in protecting residents’ rights and ensuring that their voices remain at the forefront of their care.
For individuals needing ombudsman services in Philadelphia, PCA collaborates with two key partners based on geographic areas of the city. The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elders (CARIE) can be reached at 215-545-5724, with more information available at carie.org. Center in the Park can be contacted at 215-844-1829, with additional information at CenterInTheParkPhila.org. The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which manages the program at the state level, can be reached at 717-783-8975 or visit pa.gov.
For more information about PCA programs and services, call the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org.
