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Protecting Rights in Long-Term Care Facilities

Every resident of a licensed long-term care facility deserves to feel safe, respected, and heard. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a free and confidential advocacy service that helps residents and their families address concerns, understand their rights, and navigate care issues.

AgeWays hosts the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties as part of the statewide Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.

What the Ombudsman Program Does

Ombudsmen are trained advocates who serve residents of nursing homes, licensed assisted living facilities, adult foster care homes, and homes for the aged. They work to:

Your Advocate, Always on Your Side

If you have concerns about a licensed facility, an ombudsman can help. Whether you’re a resident, caregiver, or family member, you have access to free, confidential advocacy and support. Call (800) 852-7795 to connect with a Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Frequently Asked Questions

My father is in a nursing home (or any licensed facility) and is not getting the care he needs. The home does not provide showers and incontinent care in a timely manner. Can the ombudsman help advocate for my father?

Yes. An ombudsman will visit the resident. If he gives the ombudsman permission to advocate on his behalf, the ombudsman could coordinate a meeting with management staff at the the home to try to resolve these problems. The ombudsman could continue to monitor the resident’s care to ensure the complaints have been resolved for as long as the resident requests the ombudsman to do so.

My mother has been in a nursing home for 2 years and was told she needs to be discharged from the home for no reason.

There are 5 reasons a nursing home can discharge a resident: a) The home can no longer meet the needs of the resident. b) The resident no longer needs a nursing home-level of care. c) The resident is a risk to oneself. d) The resident is a risk to others. e) Nonpayment. A 30-day written discharge notice must be provided to the resident prior to discharge. If you are concerned that you or your loved one is being discharged unfairly or without meeting the above criteria, you can contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-866-458-9393.

The nursing home wants to petition the court for a public guardian, but the family wants to take over guardianship. Can the nursing home do this?

The home can petition for guardianship and is required to list the family and other recommendations for guardian. The judge will determine in one hearing if the family is the best choice. Usually this is done in one hearing and the home does not re-apply if the family is not appointed.

My cousin lives in a licensed home for the aged. What rights does she have in this setting?

Residents maintain their constitutional rights and may have additional rights when living in a licensed long-term facility. To learn more about resident rights, contact your local ombudsman or visit https://mltcop.org/know-your-rights.

How do I contact my local Ombudsman for questions, concerns, and advocacy services?

Contact the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP) at 866-485-9393 or visit www.MLTCOP.org.

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