Volunteers Provide a “Voice” for Seniors in Nursing Homes

More than 1.5 million of America’s elderly live in nursing homes, completely dependent on staffs for their care. Unfortunately, this situation has caused many older Americans to feel neglected, isolated, and helpless.

The University of Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, a service of the UT-Houston Center on Aging, is dedicated to helping senior citizens who live in nursing homes, their families, and nursing home workers achieve the best possible quality of life in Texas long-term care facilities. After completing their training, volunteer ombudsmen visit nursing homes or assisted living centers, establishing relationships with residents, as well as with their families and the employees of the care facilities. They help residents communicate problems to staff, and seek fair solutions.

“Seniors should be treated with respect, courtesy, and dignity, and our ombudsman program works to ensure that happens,” said Ayse Tobey, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteer coordinator. “Yet there are so many seniors we don’t get to help, because we don’t have enough volunteers to meet the demand.”

The ombudsman program is hosting a volunteer appreciation luncheon April 12 to honor the men and women who dedicate their free time to the elderly.

“Our volunteers are fantastic people who truly care about the elderly in our society, and this luncheon is just our way of thanking them for all they do,” Tobey said.

To volunteer, or for program information, visit http://www.uthcoa.org or call (713) 500-3787.

– Shannon Rasp

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/04_01_03/page_08.html