Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program seeks volunteers

October 22, 2002

Bismarck, N.D. - The North Dakota Department of Human Services' Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers to regularly visit residents in nursing homes, swing bed facilities, or assisted living facilities. Training for volunteers will be provided in each region of the state in October and November.

"We are looking for people who like to contribute to their communities and have the time to visit people living in long-term care facilities. These volunteers are required to regularly visit residents in assigned facilities, where they act as impartial fact-finders and mediators to resolve concerns. Many complaints, such as laundry issues, can be resolved quickly. Some concerns are forwarded to program officials in the Department of Human Services," explained State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Helen Funk.

There are currently over 70 volunteer community ombudsmen in North Dakota working to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of residents in long-term care facilities. For information about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the training call (800) 451-8693 or 328-8934.

Upcoming Training Events - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• October 23, 2002 - Bismarck - Dacotah Foundation Building, 600 South Second Street - Contact Helen Funk, sofunh@nd.gov
• October 24, 2002 - Dickinson - Badlands Human Service Center located in Pulver Hall on the Dickinson State University Campus - Contact Mark Jesser, 88jesm@nd.gov
• October 30, 2002 - Fargo - Southeast Human Service Center, 2624 9th Avenue SW - Contact Bryan Fredrickson, 85freb@nd.gov
• October 31, 2002 - Jamestown - James River Senior Center, 502 10th Avenue SE - Contact Bryan Fredrickson, 85freb@nd.gov
• November 6, 2002 - Grand Forks - Northeast Human Service Center, 151 South 4th Street, Room 5B and 5C on the 5th floor - Contact Kim Helton, 83helk@nd.gov
• November 7, 2002 - Devils Lake - Lake Region Human Service Center, East Conference Room - Contact Kim Helton, 83helk@nd.gov
• November 21, 2002 - Minot - North Central Human Service Center, 400 22nd Avenue NW - Contact Darley Williams 82wild@nd.gov

Contacts:

Helen Funk, State Ombudsman, North Dakota Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division, (701) 328-8934
Bryan Fredrickson, North Dakota Department of Human Services, Ombudsman Program, (701) 298-4413
Heather Steffl, Public Information Specialist, North Dakota Department of Human Services, (701) 328-4933

 

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