What does it mean when an ombudsman will be present at a care plan meeting?

Thanks for sharing the outcome, swfamfriend.

There was never an Ombudsman at any of the quarterly care meetings for either my mother or my husband. It is not routine in Minnesota.

As an Ombudsman is a front line advocate for the patient, they should be at the meeting.

James55, really, an attorney as ombudsman? Wow! I have been an ombudsman and I don't recall any attorneys present when we had our training sessions or monthly meetings. Yes, an ombudsman's function is to protect the rights of the residents, but it seems unrealistic to expect attorneys (unless the state can recruit enough retired attorneys) to donate UNPAID voluntary hours each week to training or meetings, site visits, drive time, and writing reports. I know I spent 15- 20 hours a month on this volunteer activity and that was for just one facility. What states are you saying use attorneys as ombudsmen?

Many States assign an Ombudsman (an attorney) to protect the rights of the resident.

Thank you for feedback. It was because resident wanted to go home which is not a realistic possibility. Ombudsman was helpful but they didn't know why they were there either when meeting first started. End result was good for the resident and the community.

You haven't raised any concerns? It is not standard procedure. Did you ask why when you found out?

The ombudsman is there to make sure the patient's voice is being heard. They work on behalf of the patient.

Why don't you ask the care center why the ombudsman will be present?