Volunteers needed to help in nursing facilities

Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging has an immediate need for volunteers to help residents of nursing and assisted living facilities throughout Northeast Texas.

Counties include Bowie, Cass, Morris, Franklin, Lamar, Titus, Delta, Red River and Hopkins.

No prior experience is required. Volunteers must be at least 18 and pass a criminal history check. All volunteers will complete a free training course and then do a three month internship.

An ombudsman is an advocate for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities who is trained to resolve problems. Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an ombudsman program that addresses residents’ complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system. While ombudsmen do not have direct authority to require action by a facility, they have the responsibility to negotiate on a resident’s behalf and to work with other state agencies for effective enforcement.

Issues an ombudsman might deal with include: Finances Medicaid eligibility restraints guardianship food quality transfers or discharges room temperature social activities rights restrictions care plans For more information, contact Robert Morris at the Area Agency on Aging at 903-2553507 or rmorris@atcog.org.

Southwest Arkansas residents interested in being an ombudsman can call 1-800272-2127 or 870-234-7410 or contact dhanson@aaaswa.net or dchaney@aaaswa.net.