Ohio's long-term care ombudsman program

Long-term care ombudsman representatives advocate for people receiving long-term services and supports and help address concerns about care, rights, and quality of life. The program is separate from this website.

What an ombudsman does

Ohio’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program advocates for people receiving long-term services and supports. Representatives can listen to a resident’s concern, explain options, help communicate with a provider and work toward resolution. The program is independent from this website and does not replace emergency services or a regulatory investigation.

When to contact the program

Common issues include care planning, dignity, food, roommate conflicts, lost property, visitation, discharge, billing communication and access to records. The resident directs the ombudsman’s work whenever possible. Information-sharing and next steps depend on consent, safety and applicable program rules.

Preparing for a conversation

Before calling, gather the facility name, resident’s location, a concise timeline, relevant notices and the outcome the resident wants. Ask what the program can keep confidential and what other agency may have jurisdiction. Call 911 for immediate danger; use the Ohio Department of Health complaint process when a regulatory review is appropriate.

Ohio review worksheet

Use a separate worksheet for each facility or issue. Record where each fact came from, the date shown by the source, who answered a question, and what still needs confirmation. Distinguish a direct observation from a statement made by someone else, and distinguish a current answer from an older public record. Keep private health and financial information out of ordinary email and public reviews. When sources conflict, ask the facility and the responsible Ohio or federal agency for clarification. A checklist supports a decision; it does not replace the resident’s preferences, a current clinical assessment, official eligibility guidance, emergency help, or advice from a qualified professional.

• What an ombudsman does: record the current source, date, answer, and any follow-up question that remains.
• When to contact the program: record the current source, date, answer, and any follow-up question that remains.
• Preparing for a conversation: record the current source, date, answer, and any follow-up question that remains.

A practical way to use this guide

Write down the questions that apply to the resident, compare answers across more than one facility, and keep dated copies of records or notices that affect the decision. Public data is most useful when combined with a current visit, direct questions, the resident’s preferences, and advice from qualified clinical, benefits, advocacy, or legal professionals as appropriate.

Official resources

• Medicare Care Compare
• Ohio Revised Code 3721.13: Residents’ rights
• Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Ohio Department of Health complaint information
• Ohio Medicaid long-term services and supports