NCJ Number
159156
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 7 Issue: 2/3 Dated: special issue (1995) Pages: 89-113
Date Published
1995
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the role and scope of authority of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman in relation to three case examples of elderly abuse and neglect.
Abstract
The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a federally mandated program of the Older Americans Act. The scope of authority and responsibility of the office is described in Title VII, Chapter 2 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 as amended. Among the requirements of the Act are provisions regarding infrastructure of the program, conflicts of interest, reporting, training of representatives of the office, access requirements, legal counsel, liability, and noninterference. Most significant to this chapter's discussion are the functions of the program found in Section 712(a)(3). The primary function of the program is to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints that are made by or on behalf of residents and relate to action, inaction, or decisions that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of the residents. The functions of the office also include informing residents about means of obtaining services provided by the providers or agencies described under the Act. The office provides its services to residents of long-term care facilities. This chapter discusses the role of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman in relation to three cases of elder abuse and neglect. A 4-item bibliography