The Impact of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program in Ventura County.

Below is a very tiny sampling of what our clients are saying.  These comments came to us through our client feedback technology Open Line. Every month any individual who has contacted us receives an electronic invitation from Open Line to provide feedback to us.  Each month thereafter, they receive a check-in email just in case they have a problem or need to talk to us.  This has accelerated our ability to respond quickly without increasing staff or overhead.

 
“I can't say enough good things about the Ombudsman program - they're here when we need them (we, meaning the residents and the staff both), and they're worth their weight in gold. I enthusiastically endorse this group of people, and hope that the new legislation works to keep them coming back. I'll do anything I can to help that process. 
(Jack Jessop-Ellis, Director of Nursing St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital)

 “I was so stressed out a few weeks ago when Kaiser Hospital was releasing my father back to the nursing home in Thousand Oaks where he had been living. The nursing home refused to take him back. To make a very long story short, Sylvia got right on the phone when I called her and gave me the administrator’s name at the nursing home and had her staff text me the regulations regarding inappropriate discharge so I was able to address this with the administrator. It took only an hour and my father was on his way back to the nursing home. I can't tell you how much my family and I were helped and relieved from stress about our father. Thank you! You are all a godsend.” (Ron Garcia) 

 “Thank you for giving me back my life.  My daughter took over my finances and put me in a facility.  I had nowhere to turn until I spoke with your Ombudsman.  She helped me get an attorney, who revoked the powers of attorney I had given my daughter when I had surgery, and stop the draining of my bank accounts.  Without your assistance, I don’t know what I would have done”.  (Name withheld -90 year old resident)

“My 80 year old friend was sexually abused in the nursing home where she was living. She was very afraid and would not tell anyone.  Your Ombudsman visited her, and noticed that she seemed fearful. The Ombudsman talked with her and my friend finally shared what had happened.  She had not even told us.  The Ombudsman gave her the encouragement she needed to call the police and file a formal complaint.  As a result of your actions, the caregiver was arrested.  I cannot begin to express my gratitude for what you did for her.  She is her old self again.” (Name withheld)

“I would like to compliment your staff (Kathy) on providing timely, accurate and appropriate information related to my specific issues and concerns. She returned my calls promptly, provided the information I needed, and referred me to other resources in the community which were helpful. Thank you!”(D. Court)

“I had called because I needed to place my dad in a skilled nursing facility very quickly. I had visited 2 and was debating. You gave me ideas of questions to ask and things to look for. I had done this for my mom in 2001 but felt better informed this time. It is so good to know that you are not alone in this process. I am an only child and have to make all of these decisions on my own. This program is very reassuring and helpful. (P Allen)

Open Line Comments on Toxic Medicine Symposium & Culture of Comfort Workshop.

Culture of Comfort Workshop

Toxic Medicine Symposium

As a lay person (daughter of a nursing facility resident), I want to compliment you for putting forth this issue with great passion from entire team of Ombudsmen and speakers. Very informative and stimulating. From 'my side of the fence', I have heard lots of talk from administrators and doctors re: what they heard as well. You got the fire of reform going!
(Caregiver, daughter of mother with Alzheimer’s)