Who We Are
ARISE’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights of people living in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Our region covers facilities in the counties of Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga and Cortland. Our ombudsmen are certified under the NYS Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Ombudsmen provide a voice for residents living in long-term care settings. Our volunteers help residents and their families understand and exercise their rights, while educating and empowering them to self-advocate. This is a free and confidential program provided under the Federal Older Americans Act.
Under the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system. Each state has an Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, headed by a full-time State Long-Term Care Ombudsman who directs the program statewide. Across the nation, staff and thousands of volunteers are designated by State Ombudsmen as representatives to directly serve residents.
For more information Contact Rebecca Alder Tele: 315-671-5108 email: ralder@ariseinc.org
What We Do
Ombudsmen:
Advocate – Act on behalf of residents to assure rights are not violated, identifying, investigating and working towards resolution of resident complaints.
Mediate – Work collaboratively with residents, family members, and staff towards achieving mutually beneficial solutions to the issues they are experiencing in long term care facilities
Educate – Provide information and consultation to residents, families, facility staff, and community about issues in long term care and specific issues they are experiencing in facilities
Refer – When resolution through the Ombudsman program is not achievable, complaints are referred to the New York State Department of Health or other appropriate agencies.
Agency Needs
