Does every state and territory in the U.S. have an Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman?
There is Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman program in every state and territory. As authorized under federal and state law, Alaska’s LTC Ombudsman program protects the rights, safety and welfare of older persons residing in assisted living and nursing homes across the state. Alaska’s LTC Ombudsman program is in the Department of Revenue and administered by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. The office is located at 3745 Community Park Loop, Suite 200, in Anchorage.
Are Alaska’s LTC Ombudsman services free?
All services provided by our program are free. Our goal is to make sure every older Alaskan residing in an assisted living or nursing home has access to LTC Ombudsman services to assist them in resolving their issues. LTC Ombudsman make unannounced visits to facilities to monitor conditions and investigate complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents.
Ombudsmen can also investigate complaints from seniors living in their own homes when the complaints relate to problems affecting their residential circumstances. We are available to provide information, referral, and consultation to seniors, their families and providers. Contact our office Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call our office at 1-800-730-6393, file a complaint online by clicking here or send us an email at akoltco@alaska.gov. Sometimes complaints are very serious and involve abuse, neglect, exploitation or the use of undue influence to harm vulnerable seniors. These complaints receive top priority in our program.
What kinds of complaints does the Ombudsman receive?
Sometimes complaints we receive are very serious and involve abuse, neglect, exploitation or the use of undue influence to harm vulnerable seniors. These complaints receive top priority in our program.
The top five complaints in nursing homes are:
- Discharge & Eviction
- Issues with guardian or legal representative
- Failure to respond timely to requests for assistance
- Less restrictive placement/housing
- Ability to exercise rights & personal choice
The top five complaints for assisted living homes are:
- Discharge & Eviction
- Issues with guardian or legal representative
- Ability to exercise rights & personal choice
- Least restrictive setting
- Food service
How does the Ombudsman resolve complaints?
Our Ombudsmen ask the resident how they would like the complaint resolved. If the resident is unable to communicate, we take direction for the resident’s representative or guardian. Our goal is to resolve complaints to the satisfaction of the resident.
Our goal is to resolve complaints in a collaborative manner with the staff from the facility or agency. However, if that is not possible, we will seek other remedies to ensure that older Alaskans receive the care they need and are treated with respect.
What if my complaint relates to someone who is under 60 years old?
If you want to make a report of harm for someone who is under the age of 60, please contact Adult Protective Services at (907) 269-3666 or (800) 478-9996. If they have a disability and you believe they have been discriminated against, call Disability Law Center of Alaska at (907) 565-1002 or (800) 478-1234.
If you do not know where to start with resolving a problem in long term care, you are welcome to call us at (907) 334-4480 or (800) 730-6393. We will do our best to connect you with the help you need.