SENIOR SERVICES

Things you may want to know are:

1. Each county in North Carolina is required to have a Nursing Home Advisory Committee and an Adult Care Home Advisory Committee.
   
   
2. The Board of Commissioners appoints the committees, and they serve under the direction of a Regional Ombudsman.
   
   
3. The Senior Services Department serves as a liaison to the committees helping to facilitate meetings, appointments, and public communications directed to the committees.
   
   
4. The NC Legislature mandates these Committees to:
   
   
   • Monitor facilities for compliance with the Resident’s Bill of Rights
   • Educate the public on Long Term Care issues
   • Promote Community involvement in facilities
   • Work to resolve grievances between residents and administrators
   • Promote awareness with the issues of elder abuse
     
     
5. The Committee members serve residents by performing the following tasks:
   
   
   • Make quarterly visits to all Long Term Care Facilities
   • Make room visits to isolated residents who have few outside visitors
   • Refer serious violations to DSS protective services
   • Recommend changes to improve the quality of care
   • Assist residents to obtain special needs [clothing items, lap robes, etc.]
   • Serve as advocates on the residents behalf at meetings of government officials
     
     
6. Call Senior Services to make comments about the care in Long Term Care Facilities. Our staff will forward information to the Regional Ombudsman who will initiate a response or assign responsibility to the committees.
   
   
7. The Board of Commissioners are often looking for additional volunteers to serve on these committees. If interested, contact the Clerk to the Board or call Senior Services for additional appointment information.
   

For additional information on the Ombudsman Program from the NC Division of Aging & Adult Services:

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/aging/ombud.htm