Volunteer Advocate Program

One of the most successful ways the Ombudsman program has of helping residents is its Volunteer Resident Advocate Program. Community volunteers are trained by Ombudsman staff in resident’s rights, problem solving, interviewing skills, negotiating, working with nursing home staff, and the health care system.
 
After Training, Volunteer Advocates are asked to spend 4 hours per week in one assigned nursing home and help residents solve problems or concerns.
 
The Volunteer may speak to the dietitian about a resident’s desire for a change in diet, let the nurse know a resident needs more timely assistance, or discuss with the administrator a resident’s idea for weekend activities. Volunteer Advocates and Ombudsman support quality of life for residents by listening to and working for resident’s needs and interests and helping residents and families work with nursing home staff for changes to improve nursing home life. They help residents, their families and staff communicate better with each other.
 
Volunteer Advocates are enriched by making new friendships, gaining increased understanding of aging and the aging process, and by the satisfaction of knowing they are making a real difference in the lives of others.

Please contact your Regional Ombudsman’s Office if you, or anyone you know is interested in our Volunteer Resident Advocate Program.

Volunteer Resident Advocate Profiles

Volunteer Resident Advocate Pull Tab Flyer

Volunteer Resident Advocate Brochure

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Resident Advocate please complete and return the Following documents (Application Form, Verification Form, Two Completed Reference Forms) via email to the Long Term Care Ombudsman's Office | E-mail: LTCOP@CT.GOV. You can also contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for assistance via phone: 860-424-5200 or 1-866-388-1888.

Once all documents are submitted to the office, can we begin the application review process. The application review is a lengthy process and may take up to 60 days depending on the number of applicants. Upon completion of the review, a representative of the program will contact you regarding the status of your application.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Volunteer Resident Advocate Application

Volunteer Resident Advocate Verification Form

Volunteer Resident Advocate Reference Form

Per Connecticut Statutes, regulations and Program policy: Individuals who work, live in or own a long- term care facility. Persons who receive any financial compensation from a nursing home cannot participate in the program. Potential volunteers who have family members residing in a nursing facility are restricted from acting as a volunteer resident advocate in the home that your family member resides.

NEW VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE TRAINING VIDEOS

Volunteer Resident Advocate Training Video 1

Volunteer Resident Advocate Training Video 2

Volunteer Resident Advocate Training Video 3

Volunteer Resident Advocate Training Video 4

Volunteer Resident Advocate Training Video 5

FORMS

Volunteer Resident Advocate Monthly Facility Checklist (DOC)

Volunteer Resident Advocate Mileage Reimbursement Form