More than half of all residents in long-term care facilities have no one to speak on their behalf. Many have no relatives or regular visitors. This frail population cannot voice grievances themselves. They rely on staff and volunteers from the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of Santa Barbara County to advocate for their rights.
Family Service Agency operates the state-mandated program and seeks to double the number of volunteers in 2021. Today, there are just seven volunteer Ombudsman Representatives who work alongside staff to serve close to 5,000 residents in 133 long-term care facilities throughout Santa Barbara County.
Inquire about this opportunity at volunteer4seniors.org.
