Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program/Elder Abuse Prevention

The primary responsibility of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is to investigate and endeavor to resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, individual residents in long-term care facilities. These facilities include nursing homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, and assisted living facilities.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (formerly known as OSNC -Ombudsman Services of Northern California) has transitioned to become a direct service of the Agency on Aging \ Area 4. AAA4 has been designated as the local entity representing the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Planning and Service Area 4, effective July 1, 2016.

To report a complaint, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program:

During office hours: 1.916.376.8910
Email: Ombintake@agencyonaging4.org
Fax: 1.916.376.8914.

If you have an emergency outside of office hours, please call the State CRISISline number 1.800.231.4024. This number will answer calls and refer complaints 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Volunteering as an Ombudsman

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a community-supported program. Volunteers are an integral part of this program. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman are responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising the volunteer Ombudsman representatives.

Learn More

Elder Abuse Prevention

Mandated reporters include care custodians and any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not paid for that responsibility (Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 15630(a)). Care custodian means an administrator or an employee of most public or private facilities or agencies, or persons providing care or services for elders or dependent adults, including members of the support staff and maintenance staff (WIC Section 15610.17).

Report Abuse in a Long-Term Care Facility

1. Download and complete the Report of Suspected Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Form SOC341
2. Submit it with the Local Law Enforcement SOC341 Cross Reporting Transmittal Cover

Download and Complete Form

Please contact your local Adult Protective Services office for information or questions about Elder Abuse Prevention.

Resources

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman – California Department of Aging
Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing
CANHR – California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform
California Assisted Living Search
Legal Services of Northern California
The National Council for Aging Care
California Department of Public Health
HICAP – Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
LongTermCare.gov – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Justice in Aging
Federal Nursing Home Reform Law (OBRA)
The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Forms

Advance Health Care Directive (Word)
Advance Health Care Directive (PDF)