Referral for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The federal Older Americans Act of 1965 requires every state to establish an Ombudsman Program addressing the health of residents of long-term care facilities. In Rockwall County the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) through the Area Agency on Aging or North Texas (AANT), provides Ombudsman services to residents of nursing homes, board and care homes and assisted living facilities.

These certified, highly trained staff and volunteers:

• May investigate, negotiate, mediate, or initiate the resolution of complaints and concerns.
• May intervene to assure the quality of long-term facility care
• And in general may improve communication between residents, family members, and facilities staff.

Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County provides referrals to the AANT for assistance in providing general information and actions regarding long-term care options, standards of practice and quality of care issues. Ombudsmen provide information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care. They are trained to resolve problems. If you want, the Ombudsman can assist you with complaints. However, unless you give the Ombudsman permission to share your concerns, these matters are kept confidential.