Working with New York State Ombudsman as Advocates for Long-Term Care Residents

As members grapple with the crises of clients in long-term care facilities, we have learned that we need allies in addressing needs and rights of the residents in these settings. This program will review the basic resident rights found in federal and state regulations impacting this vulnerable population, as well as tools available through the Ombudsman program and other advocacy strategies to address protecting these rights. The goal is for elder law and other attorneys working with older adults and other individuals with disabilities in these settings to learn how to effectively work collaboratively with the Ombudsman program to meet our clients’ care needs while in long-term care settings for short or long-term care.

Topics to be covered:

• Overview of the NY State’s Ombudsman program
• An Outline of typical resident problems and how the Ombudsman addresses them
• Case examples of successes and challenges
• How the Elder Law Attorneys can interact with the Ombudsman and compliment and advance the goals and rights of residents

Speakers

Claudette Royal, New York State Office for the Aging

Stephen Syzdek, Esq., New York State Office for the Aging