The Ombudsman can help to resolve issues and complaints that residents and their families have about a variety of topics — including staff training, attitudes, response and behavior; admission and discharge matters; nutrition and dietary concerns; physical therapy; matters of dignity; Medicare, Medi-Cal, SSI and many other relevant issues. We offer a number of services designed to assist residents and their families with these issues. They include:

Advocacy. Voice residents' concerns to a facility's administration.

Investigation. Investigate complaints made by or on behalf of residents.

Mediation. Assist parties to reach agreements and resolve conflicts in a mutually satisfactory manner.

Education. Increase residents and caregiver awareness of their rights, under state and federal regulations.

Witness Documents. Witness residents' signatures on Advance Health Care Directives.

Elder Abuse Reporting. Actively investigate and report suspected cases of elder abuse in long-term care facilities.

Family and Friends Nursing Home Education Project

WISE Senior Services' Family and Friends Nursing Home Project is designed to assist the friends and family members of nursing home residents.

The Family and Friends program will teach you in a FREE 4 hour workshop what to expect following the placement of your loved one in a nursing facility.

In a 4 hour workshop - you can learn about:

• Resident rights
  
• Family councils
  
• Appropriate levels of care
  
• Medical care
  
• Eating, dressing assistance
  
• Quality of care issues
  
• Observational techniques
  
• Dignity Issues