Fill out the Volunteer Ombudsman Application

Residents' Rights

Residents and family should receive a copy of residents' rights at the time of admission.  This should be part of the admission packet given to the resident and family.  Examples follow.

Residents have the right to:

• Be treated with respect, courtesy and dignity;

• Exercise rights as a resident of Texas and the United States, and civil and religious liberties;

• Be free from discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status or source of payment;

• Receive all care necessary to have the highest level of health, and to live in safe, decent and clean conditions.

• Manage personal and financial affairs and make choices and independent decisions;

• Associate and communicate in privacy including:  visits with anyone of their choice in or out of the facility; mail and telephone services; and access to records or state inspection reports;

• Choose and attending physician, know their medical condition and participate in treatment planning as well as refuse treatment;

• Be free from mental, physical and verbal abuse, financial exploitation and chemical or physical restraints;

• Confidentiality of and access to personal and clinical records;

• Keep and use personal property, secure from theft or loss;

• Be informed (in written or verbal form) of services provided by the facility and all related charges;

• Discharge themselves unless they have been adjudicated mentally incompetent;

• Not be transferred or discharged without cause or notice, including change in room or roommate

When should an Ombudsman be called?

Residents and family should try to resolve problems and differences with the facility staff whenever possible.

When this is not possible, or when the resident or family is unsure, call 1-800-252-2412 to be connected to a regional ombudsman program.

A certified ombudsman, volunteer or staff, will assess the concerns and recommend possible courses of action.

Often, the ombudsman can resolve the problem without involving other groups or agencies.  Sometimes, the resident council or family support group is involved in the resolution.

When the ombudsman can't resolve the problem, or when it involved abuse or neglect, the complaint is referred to the Texas Department of Human Services or other appropriate agency.  In all situations, the complaint is handled confidentially and information is not released without approval of the resident or legal guardian.

The ombudsman program is also a good source of information about selecting a long-term care facility, eligibility criteria, residents' rights and other services for the elderly.

For Free Help Linking to Services within Texas:  Dial 211 (Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:45pm)
Out of State: Call 1-800-395-5465 s  TDD for Hearing Impaired: (409) 347-2769