The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman announced Wednesday it is seeking volunteers in Jasper County to become members of its Volunteer Ombudsman Program.
Volunteer ombudsmen are trained and certified to visit long-term care facilities to assist residents with problems or concerns and to monitor the quality of care provided.
They also protect residents’ rights, work to ensure dignified and respectful treatment of residents and encourage participation in resident councils.
Those who volunteer for the VOP will be asked to commit a minimum of 3 to 5 hours per month for a year. The program is both unique and rewarding; in addition to training and support from VOP coordinators, volunteers will receive:
• rewarding relationships with residents and other volunteers, and
• the opportunity to partner in fostering the dignity of residents of long-term care facilities.
Those who wish to learn more about the VOP, or who are interested in becoming a volunteer, should contact VOP Coordinator Merea Bentrott at (515) 344-0052, or at merea.bentrott@iowa.gov.
The application form is available at https://www.iowaaging.gov/vop-application.