BY ANDREW BAILEY
BG Independent Correspondent
Volunteers are being sought to be the voices of older adults who live in their own homes or in long-term care facilities.
The state ombudsman office, part of the Northwest Ohio-based Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, needs volunteers to help thousands in the region.
The volunteer advocates provide a voice for the concerns of long-term care consumers who are living in their own homes, nursing homes or assisted living, according to Volunteer Coordinator Allie Larson, of Bowling Green.
Volunteers make regular visits, observe conditions and engage residents in conversations to learn about problems or concerns consumers may have regarding care and services.
In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, volunteers observe conditions and care, and inform residents about their rights. For older adults who choose to receive care in their own homes, volunteers talk to them about their caregivers and services they receive.
The state ombudsman office investigates and resolves issues in long-term care facilities in the counties of Wood, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky and Williams.
Before the pandemic, Larson said the ombudsman office had many volunteers who had been with ABLE for years. But COVID restrictions forced them to check in on facilities only via phone, so there was a drop off in volunteers.
Now, volunteers can visit facilities in person again, or choose to do phone calls, to regularly report the conditions of facilities and their residents.
The ombudsman office is looking to increase its current 25 volunteers to at least 40. The hiring process involves a 12-hour training program and exam. Once hired, the volunteers make their own schedules.
Volunteers are required to be at least 18 years old and not currently working at a long-term care facility.
Larson said serving as a volunteer is a rewarding and valuable experience.
To learn more or get involved, visit ABLE’s website or contact Larson at 419-324-9684.
