In an effort to prevent spreading of the COVID-19 to residents in long-term care facilities, the local ombudsmen are restricted from visiting facilities. We are relying on other methods of communication, which include FaceTime, video-conferencing, or teleconferencing options. If you have any questions or concerns contact the District Long-Term Care Ombudsman Bethany Breckel at 859-283-8185 or 859-468-4134 or email at bethany.breckel@nkadd.org. For further information regarding COVID-19, you can call the KY COVID Hotline at 1-800-722-5775 or visit kycovid19@ky.gov.
Program Description
The Long Term Care Ombudsman acts as an advocate for residents of nursing homes, personal care and family care homes. Ombudsmen work to resolve problems and issues of individual residents by working directly with them and their family members.
Since 1978, the Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman program has served residents of long-term care facilities in all 120 Kentucky counties. Services of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman program are coordinated through the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency. The program also has oversight for 15 district programs affiliated with Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living. The program receives federal, state, and local funding and does not charge for services.
Eligibility
Any resident or individual representing a resident of a skilled nursing facility, personal care home or family care home in Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, or Pendleton Counties. There is no charge for services provided by this program.
Services Offered within the Program
The responsibilities of the Long Term Care Ombudsman include identifying, investigating, and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of facility residents and providing information to residents regarding long term care services.
- Protecting the rights of all residents
- Identifying, investigating, and working to solve problems
- Providing regular friendly visits to residents
- Providing services to all residents
- Providing information & assistance to the community
- Monitoring government actions affecting residents
- Educating facilities and providers
- Providing technical support to develop resident and family councils in facilities
Contact Information
For more information or questions, or if you are interested in volunteering with the Ombudsman Program, please contact Bethany Breckel, District Long Term Care Ombudsman at the Northern Kentucky Area Development District/Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living at 859.283.8185.
Downloadable Forms (pdfs)
NKADD Resident’s Rights for Kentucky’s Long-Term Care Residents Booklet
Ombudsman Certification Manual