The world of senior services is very confusing and overwhelming especially if you are not in the field. The frustration can be exacerbated if there is a disagreement/confusion regarding family’s wishes and what senior healthcare professionals are telling you is correct/normal. When discussions come to a bypass, I recommend calling the Ombudsman.
Below you will find information directly from the MN Department of Human Services website at https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/seniors/services/ombudsman/
An Ombudsman is an independent consumer advocate who:
- Investigates complaints about the health, safety, welfare and rights of Minnesotans receiving long-term services and support services.
- Works to identify problems and resolve individual concerns.
- Provides information and help with long-term care services, consumer rights and regulations.
- Resolves disputes between consumers and providers about long-term care services.
- Works with providers to promote a culture in which people have and can make choices.
What can the ombudsman do?
Ombudsmen work with residents, families and service providers to promote person-centered care and to identify issues in the long-term care system and advocate for change. They also handle complaints and problems from individuals related to:
- Quality of care and quality of life.
- The Patient, Resident and Home Care Bill of Rights.
- Discharge or eviction from nursing homes, board and care homes, veterans’ homes, assisted living and other long-term care or home and community-based service settings.
- Termination of services, including home care, adult foster care, hospice, Elderly Waiver, Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver and other long-term care community-based service programs.
- Public benefit programs, such as Medicare, Medical Assistance, veterans’ services, long-term care insurance and other programs that directly affect an individual’s long-term care needs..
Phone: 800-657-3591 or 651-431-2555
Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
P.O. Box 64971 St. Paul, MN 55164-0971