Working with NYS Ombudsman as Advocates for Long-Term Care Residents 2022

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, tools available through the ombudsman program, as well as 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 collaborate with the ombudsman program to effectively meet our clients’ care needs while in long-term care settings for short term or more permanent care. 

Topics Covered:

Overview of the NY State’s Ombudsman program roles and responsibilities.

An Outline of typical resident problems and how an 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

Section Chair: Christopher Bray, Rheinhardt & Bray, PC (Elder Law and Special Needs Section Chair)

Moderator: Nina Loewenstein, Disability Law Center (Vice-Chair Elder Law & Special Needs Section Committee on Long-Term Care Facility Reform)

Planning Co-Chair: Deepankar Mukerji, Attorney at Law

Planning Co-Chair: Matthew J. Nolfo, Matthew J. Nolfo & Associates

Claudette Royal, New York State Office for the Aging

Stephen Syzdek, New York State Office for the Aging