Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

An ombudsman has the resources of the Texas Health and Human Services and other agencies to help resolve complaints and concerns that cannot be resolved by residents and staff.

Objectives of the program are to:

  • Authorized by state and federal laws, the long-term care ombudsman is a specially trained and certified staff or volunteer who advocates for quality care in Texas long-term care facilities
  • Support nursing home and assisted living facility standards so that residents are provided a dependable and acceptable level of care
  • Listen to residents' concerns and, with resident consent, investigate, problem-solve and help resolve concerns
  • Improve communication between residents and facility staff

Resident's Rights

Anyone admitting a relative or loved one to a long-term-care facility should make sure the admission packet includes "resident's rights," a statement of minimum standards to which any facility should adhere.