The El Dorado County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers who are interested in becoming Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. Ombudsmen are advocates who visit residents of long-term care facilities to ensure quality of life and quality care for the residents.

“There are approximately 40 long-term care facilities in El Dorado County,” said Deborah Johnston, program supervisor of the El Dorado County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, in a statement. “The ombudsmen serve an important role to help protect, advocate and promote resident rights. The ombudsmen identify concerns, investigate complaints and work to resolve problems — advocating from the resident’s perspective.”

According to Johnston, ombudsman candidates are required to complete 36 hours of training at no cost. Once the training is complete, each ombudsman is state certified. Training for ombudsman candidates in El Dorado County begins October 2015 in Placerville. Those interested in becoming an ombudsman or receiving more information about the program, may call Johnston at 530-621-6271.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a service of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. Additional information can be found at http://www.edcgov.us.