The Region : Nursing Home Ombudsmen
Volunteers are being sought to act as advocates for nursing home residents in the San Gabriel Valley.
Ombudsmen help resolve problems ranging from abuse to dietary concerns, said Estelle Harris, training coordinator for WISE Senior Services, a nonprofit organization that administers the program in Los Angeles County.
More than 50 ombudsmen answer residents’ questions and identify issues and problems in long-term care in the San Gabriel Valley. Cases of abuse are reported to WISE, which is funded by the state, the city of Los Angeles and corporate and private donations.
Volunteers are certified by the state Department of Aging after receiving 36 hours of training and are then assigned to represent those in a facility in their community. “We particularly need bilingual individuals,” Harris said.
Training for volunteers will be May 17 in San Dimas and in late May or early June in Pasadena. Information: Estelle Harris at (800) 334-WISE or (310) 393-3618.
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