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Northern VA Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Advocating for Excellence in Long-Term Care

Our Mission

To advocate for the highest quality of life and care for persons receiving long-term care services.

What is an Ombudsman?

An Ombudsman:

Advocates for improving quality of care and quality of life
Resolves complaints through counseling, negotiation and investigation
Provides one-to-one consultation
Provides information to help consumers make an informed choice
Educates the community about long-term care issues
Trains and supervises volunteers who regularly visit facilities and advocate for residents
Provides consultation to long-term care professionals
Trains long-term care staff

What type of information is available about long-term care providers?

The Ombudsman assists the consumer in making an informed decision about long-term care providers (nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, adult day programs and home care organizations) by offering:

Tips for choosing a long-term care facility.
Information about the admissions process.
Providers’ available services and complaint track record.
Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification.

Resident’s Bill of Rights

You have the right to:

Be informed of your rights, rules and regulations governing your care, conduct and responsibilities.
Be informed of available services and related charges.
Participate in planning your care and treatment.
Be informed of reasons for transfer or discharge and be given reasonable advance notice.
Voice grievances and recommend changes in policy.
Manage your personal financial affairs.
Be free from mental and physical abuse and from unauthorized chemical and physical restraints.
Confidential treatment of your personal and medical records and approval or refusal of their release.
Be treated with recognition of dignity, individuality and privacy.
Not perform services for the facility without your consent.
Have private communication with persons of your choice and to send and receive unopened mail.
Participate in social, religious and community activities.
Maintain and use personal clothing and possessions as space permits.
Have privacy for visits with your spouse, family and friends.
Have information on the rights and responsibilities of residents posted in a visible place.

Ombudsman services are FREE and confidential

Funding for this program is provided primarily by the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in the City of Alexandria and the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William.

For further information on aging issues and concerns, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. TTY 711 for all numbers.

Alexandria

703-746-5999

Arlington

703-228-1700

Fairfax

703-324-7948

Loudon

703-777-0257

Prince William

703-792-6400

Northern Virginia Long-Term Ombudsman Program