Serving the counties of:
  • Cass
  • Christian
  • Greene
  • Jersey
  • Logan
  • Macoupin
  • Mason
  • Menard
  • Montgomery
  • Morgan
  • Sangamon
  • Scott

 

What is an "Ombudsman"?

Ombudsman is a Swedish word meaning citizen's representative. A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate who seeks to resolve complaints on behalf of people who receive long-term care services. Our advocacy efforts are directed by the long-term care resident.

 

What is the Ombudsman Program?

Federal and state law mandates the creation of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in the State of Illinois. The ombudsman program was created in the early 1970’s by the Older Americans Act to protect the rights of nursing home residents by investigating and resolving their complaints. Currently, there are thirteen regional ombudsman programs throughout the State of Illinois that work under the auspices of the Illinois Department on Aging. The ombudsman program assures residents receive quality care and a dignity of life at the highest practical level. Certified ombudsmen visit residents in long-term care facilities to: inform residents of their rights, empower residents to engage in problem-solving efforts on their own behalf, follow up on resident concerns, and resolve resident complaints. 

 

What is I CARE?

I CARE is a regional long-term care ombudsman program. We serve residents who live in long-term care facilities in 12 central Illinois counties: Cass, Christian, Greene, Jersey, Logan, Mason, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon, Scott.  Local staff and volunteers advocate for resident rights on behalf of more than 7,000 residents in over 100 long-term care facilities. We regularly visit nursing homes, supportive living and assisted living facilities.  The Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation is the sponsor agency for I CARE.

 

I CARE Volunteer Ombudsmen

I CARE volunteers are certified ombudsmen who visit long-term care facilities regularly to listen to resident’s concerns and, with the resident's permission, advocate on behalf of the resident. Volunteer ombudsmen report to a supervising ombudsman who directs them in their advocacy. Learn more about becoming a volunteer by going to our Volunteer pages.

 

Find us on FaceBook at:

www.facebook.com/ICAREOmbudsman