FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:Leila Rice, 303-6963 leila@artillerymarketing.com
Services Contact: Mary Howell, 963-9220 or mhowell@ssseva.org

SENIOR SERVICES SEEKS CARING INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE AS LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN VOLUNTEERS
–Training dates set for March 17, 18 and 21 –

(Hampton Roads, Va., Feb. 14, 2008) – Caring individuals with good communications skills – and a few hours to spare during the week – are ideal candidates for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, overseen by Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia.

The organization is currently seeking new volunteers who can attend a three-day training session March 17, 18, and 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Norfolk headquarters (Interstate Corporate Center, 6350 Center Drive, Building 5).

Ombudsman is a Swedish word for “agent.” Through its Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Senior Services trains and assign volunteer “agents” to help resolve complaints and mediate issues for residents living in long-term care facilities.
“Our Ombudsmen advocate on behalf of older individuals who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and for those receiving community-based care,” said Willie E. Alston, Jr., Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator. “The work they do is tremendously important.”

According to surveys conducted by the American Medical Association, just the presence of an Ombudsman in long-term care settings improved the quality of life and care of those who live there.

In addition to resolving complaints and mediating issues, Ombudsman volunteers also educate consumers and long-term care providers about residents’ rights, promote community involvement and provide information on applicable legislative and policy issues.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, provide personal references, be able to drive and must not be employed by or have a financial interest in a long-term care facility.

For information about the training sessions or the Ombudsman program, call Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator Willie E. Alston, Jr. at (757) 461-9481 ext. 114 or visit www.ssseva.org