PCA and Center in the Park strengthen advocacy for long-term care residents across Philadelphia
Older adults living in long-term care settings deserve more than quality care. They deserve to be heard, treated with dignity and included in decisions that affect their daily lives.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Ombudsman Program helps make sure those voices are heard by providing advocacy, information and support to people living in long-term care communities throughout Philadelphia.
Through a partnership with Center in the Park (CIP), the program provides Ombudsman services to residents across the entire city. The Germantown-based nonprofit administers the program through a contract with PCA.
“Residents in long-term care facilities have basic rights that must be respected,” said Andrea DeLoatch, PCA Ombudsman Program Manager. “Our Ombudsman Program ensures that residents’ rights are upheld.”
Ombudspeople serve as independent advocates for residents of nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living communities, domiciliary care homes and adult day centers. They listen to residents’ concerns; investigate complaints; and work with residents, families and care providers to resolve problems.
Concerns can involve nearly every part of life in a long-term care setting. Ombudspeople may assist with questions about personal finances, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, billing, and access to personal funds. They can also address concerns involving meals, social activities, medications, nursing care, rehabilitation services and the physical environment.
Protecting residents’ rights is another important part of their work. Ombudspeople can help residents understand policies involving admission, transfer and discharge while advocating for practices that preserve privacy, independence and dignity.
The program also helps residents and families navigate what can sometimes be a complicated longterm care system. Ombudspeople provide information about residents’ rights, explain available options and connect individuals with additional long-term care programs and resources.
Center in the Park’s expanded role brings advocacy to long-term care residents citywide. Founded in 1968, the nonprofit has deep roots in Philadelphia’s older adult community and provides a range of services. Its Ombudsman staff and volunteers visit long-term care settings, educate residents about their rights, and investigate concerns raised by residents or those acting on their behalf.
“This citywide expansion strengthens protections for older adults and helps ensure that long-term care residents have access to independent advocacy when concerns arise,” Center in the Park Executive Director Reneé Cunningham said. “It also gives residents and their families another resource to help them understand their rights, raise concerns and navigate issues affecting their care and quality of life.”
Volunteers are also an important part of the effort. Center in the Park is recruiting volunteer Ombudspeople to serve residents throughout Philadelphia. They have a need for bilingual and bicultural volunteers who can help the program reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support.
For residents and their families, having an Ombudsman available can mean having someone in their corner when questions or concerns arise. For PCA and Center in the Park, the partnership represents a shared commitment to making sure Philadelphia’s long-term care residents remain active participants in decisions about their lives and care.
For Ombudsman services or information about volunteering, contact Center in the Park at 215-844-1829. More information is also available through the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
