Ombudsman Programs

People living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities need support, protection and advocacy more than ever. Improvements in and access to community services mean care facility residents are often more frail, suffer from cognitive issues like Alzheimer's and dementia, and are very ill. The Denver Regional Council of Governments’ Ombudsman Program, here to make sure the rights of nursing home and assisted living facility residents are being respected and met, serves thousands of residents living in more than 400 facilities across the region. This federally-mandated advocacy service is free for nursing home and assisted living facility residents in the Denver metro area. 

DRCOG also houses the PACE Ombudsman. PACE stands for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. The role of the PACE Ombudsman is to act as an advocate for participants in programs outside of a long-term care facility situation, and assist participants in resolving issues related to care, health, safety, or the participant’s rights.  PACE Ombudsmen strive to resolve complaints that range from simple quality of care issues, such as a participant’s preferred time to receive care, to very serious, sometimes life threating concerns involving abuse and neglect. 

AAA staff visit facilities regularly to see and talk to residents and monitor conditions. Working as advocates for residents, ombudsmen investigate complaints, assist facility staff in solving or mediating problems, and provide education about long-term care communities and residents' rights. Ombudsmen also provide advocacy for system improvements in the long-term care industry. An ombudsman is assigned to every long-term care facility in the region and can help individuals and families in choosing a long-term care facility or resolving any concerns facility residents, family members, facility staff or administrators may have.

For information, please call 303-480-6734.

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