Closing the distance

Virus alters methods but not the personal interest shown by Area Agency on Aging ombudsmen.

Ombudsmen with the Ark-Tex Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging are doing their best to maintain visits with residents of local nursing and assisted living facilities.

“The normal visits to our residents have been interrupted by COVID-19 so we decided to give window hugs to the residents. We made posters and knocked on windows,” said Kim Palmore, managing local ombudsman for Area Agency on Aging.

The residents responded with air hugs and big smiles and by blowing kisses.

“We were just as happy to see them as they were to see us. COVID-19 can put a stop to visits but it doesn’t change our hearts and desire to see everyone smile,” Palmore said.

Ombudsmen advocate for resident rights for all residents in nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. They help protect the quality of life and quality of care of anyone who lives in a facility.

“But we also care about their well being and happiness during these difficult times while they are separated from their family and friends. The small things make them happy and we want to be a part of that,” Palmore said. She visited locals residents with Staff Ombudsman Vanessa Conway.

“We wanted the residents to know that their Ombudsmen are still here and thinking of them. We really miss them. I am not sure if we did not need to see them as much as they did us. It was refreshing seeing them and just what we all needed,” she said.

Palmore said she was also concerned some residents might be depressed because they didn’t have visitors.

“Many of them rely on us because they have no family left,” she said.

The Area Agency on Aging is always in need of volunteer ombudsmen.

Ombudsmen can help residents by listening to their concerns and their family members’ concerns, informing residents of their rights, and helping family members learn about facilities and how to pay for care.

They can also make sure facility staff follow state regulations and laws that protect residents.

To volunteer, call 903-748-9521 or 903-255-3507, or email kpalmore@ atcog.

Submitted photos Kim Palmore leans near a window to hear a resident during a visit to a long-term nursing facility. Palmore is an ombudsman with the Area Agency on Aging. ON THE COVER: Ombudsmen Vanessa Conway, left, and Kim Palmore prepare for a visit at a long-term care facility. Ombudsmen serve as advocates for the residents and have missed visiting with them during the COVID-19 pandemic.