An Ombudsman is an independent consumer advocate who:

• Investigates complaints about the health, safety, welfare and rights of Minnesotans receiving long-term services and supports
• Works to identify problems and resolve individual concerns
• Provides information and help with long-term care services, consumer rights and regulations
• Resolves disputes between consumers and providers about long-term care services
• Works with providers to promote a culture in which people have and can make choices.

Ombudsmen can help:

• Residents of nursing homes and board and care homes, including veterans’ homes
• Residents of adult care homes, such as housing with services, assisted living, customized living or foster care
• People receiving home care services
• Medicare beneficiaries who have concerns about getting into or being discharged from hospitals
• Anyone seeking help with long-term services and supports.

Ombudsmen work with residents, families and service providers to promote person-centered care and to identify issues in the long-term care system and advocate for change. They also handle complaints and problems from individuals related to:

• Quality of care and quality of life
• The Patient, Resident and Home Care Bill of Rights
• Discharge or eviction from nursing homes, board and care homes, veterans’ homes, assisted living and other long-term care or home and community-based service settings
• Termination of services, including home care, adult foster care, hospice, Elderly Waiver, Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver and other long-term care community-based service programs
• Public benefit programs, such as Medicare, Medical Assistance, veterans’ services, long-term care insurance and other programs that directly affect an individual’s long-term care needs.