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:

Resolve concerns about care, dignity, or treatment
Educate residents, families, and staff about residents’ rights
Advocate for quality care
Support care transitions and decision-making
Provide referrals to other helpful resources

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 mltcop.org.

Is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman service confidential and free?

Yes. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is completely free and confidential. Its advocacy services are designed to help residents and families address care concerns and provide information and assistance to assure residents experience quality of care and quality of life.

How long does it take for an ombudsman to respond to a concern?

Although an ombudsman may typically respond to requests for assistance within 48 hours, response times can vary depending on the nature of the complaint. Once a complaint is received, an ombudsman visits the resident and, only with the resident's permission, begins working to address the concern.

What rights do residents in long-term care facilities have?

Residents in licensed long-term care facilities retain their constitutional rights and may have additional protections specific to their care setting. Some of these rights include:

• Being treated with dignity, respect, and consideration.
• Participating in decisions about their care and treatment.
• Maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
• Voicing concerns or filing complaints without fear of retaliation.
• Being free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and unnecessary restraints.

What should I expect after I contact an ombudsman?

An ombudsman will contact the resident, preferably in person and, with the resident's permission, advocate on their behalf. Advocacy may include coordinating meetings with facility staff to discuss resolution of the resident's concern.

Can an ombudsman help with issues involving medication or personal care?

Yes. Ombudsmen can advocate for residents experiencing issues with personal care, such as delays in showers, hygiene assistance, or other daily care needs. With the resident's consent, they will work directly with facility staff to resolve the concern and monitor follow-through.

What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and what do Ombudsmen help with?

The Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a free, confidential advocacy program that supports residents of nursing homes, adult foster care homes, and licensed homes for the aged. Ombudsmen can help with concerns about quality of care, access to services and equipment, the living environment, and resident rights, including being treated with dignity and respect. They work with resident and family councils, and provide community education about long-term care topics.

Do local ombudsmen offer educational resources for residents and families?

Yes. Local ombudsmen offer helpful tools like fact sheets, advance directive guides, and other resources to help residents and families understand their rights and make informed care decisions. Visit mltcop.org or call AgeWays at (866) 485-9393 to learn more.

How do I find the Ombudsman serving my area?

Age Ways hosts the long-term care ombudsmen serving residents in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw Counties. To contact your local ombudsman, call the statewide phone number (866) 485-9393 or visit mltcop.org and go to the Contact Your Local Ombudsman tab.

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