·Federal program
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (OAA Title VII)
Older Americans Act Title VII Chapter 2 funds a State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and CNMI (states must establish a program to receive their OAA Title VII allotment) to investigate and resolve complaints involving residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities. Under 42 U.S.C. §3058g, complaints may be made by or on behalf of residents — family members and friends acting on a resident's behalf are among those who can bring concerns to an ombudsman. Ombudsmen identify, investigate, and resolve complaints relating to any action, inaction, or decision that may adversely affect a resident's health, safety, welfare, or rights. In FY2024 the national network investigated over 205,332 complaints and provided information on long-term care 710,793 times. The program is free, no income test applies, and no formal application is required.
What it offers
Free complaint investigation and resolution for residents and their families in nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities. Services include: (1) Complaint intake — complaints may be made by or on behalf of residents (42 U.S.C. §3058g), which includes family members, friends, and concerned individuals acting on a resident's behalf; no proof required to contact an ombudsman. (2) Investigation — ombudsmen identify, investigate, and seek resolution for complaints about care quality, medication, nutrition, hygiene, discharge decisions, financial matters (Medicare/Medicaid/Social Security handling), and residents' rights violations. (3) Advocacy — ombudsmen represent residents' interests before facility management, government agencies, and in administrative proceedings; they do not represent family members against residents. (4) Information and referral — in FY2024, provided information on long-term care 710,793 times nationally. (5) Systemic advocacy — educate consumers and providers about residents' rights and promote policy improvements. In 2024, the network included 53 State Ombudsmen, 2,044 paid staff, and 3,598 certified volunteers; it worked to resolve 205,332 complaints, with 72% resolved or partially resolved to the satisfaction of the resident or complainant. To reach a local ombudsman: call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, visit eldercare.acl.gov, or use the National Ombudsman Resource Center state directory.
Questions that decide eligibility
GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:
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Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?
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Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?
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Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.
Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
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What documents do you need from us to start an application?
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Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?