Program Description The WISE Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is an advocacy group designed to help protect and ensure the quality of care of seniors living in skilled nursing and residential care facilities for the elderly. Ombudsmen educate residents and their families about their rights in these facilities, help resolve complaints and address issues. The Ombudsmen can help to resolve issues and complaints that residents and their families have about a variety of topics — including matters of dignity and their rights; health care; dietary concerns; physical therapy; medications; activities; discharge matters and other quality of care and life concerns. The WISE Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is responsible for advocating for residents in the more than 40,000 beds in long-term care facilities in the City and County of Los Angeles. The Ombudsmen make frequent visits to nursing homes and other facilities to ensure the well-being of the residents. The Ombudsman team is comprised of dedicated staff and volunteers located in eleven offices throughout the County. Volunteers in the Ombudsman program receive more than 36 hours of initial classroom training, undergo an internship and receive certification from the State of California Department of Aging. ©2004 WISE Seniors, Inc. All Rights Reserved.