Success Stories

All names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the residents.

During a visit to a nursing home, an Ombudsman discovered that the facility staff had placed padlocks on the outside patio gates.  The facility staff stated the reason for the locks was to keep the dementia residents from wandering away.  Due to fire safety and evacuation purposes, it is a violation of state regulations to lock outside gates without the proper fire clearance and permits.  The Ombudsman alerted the fire marshal who quickly arrived at the facility and corrected the problem.

Penny, an 82 year old female who is mentally competent and resides in a nursing home was in severe pain.  For several hours, facility staff prevented her from using the 911 system to get emergency help.  After Penny was placed in the hospital, the family contacted our office and requested assistance.  We were able to ensure that the facility changed its policy to allow competent residents access to 911.  In addition we were able to work with the 911 system operators to ensure that they respond to residents in care facilities.   

Frances had been living in a nursing home for one year.  Due to a stroke, she was unable to move her body and she was in bed most of the time.  Frances told her Ombudsman that another resident was coming into her room and hitting her, grabbing her arms and legs and yelling at her.  The Ombudsman was able to ensure that the facility staff protected Frances from any additional abuse.

During a visit to a residential care facility for the elderly, an Ombudsman noticed that one of the residents required a complex medical device.  According to care facility regulations, the care facility staff must receive training to properly use the medical device to protect the health of the resident.  The facility staff had not been trained, so the Ombudsman worked with the licensing agency to ensure that the training was received quickly.

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