March 2, 2009

Protecting Elderly

Few adults are as vulnerable as the elderly living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities.

That's why the state's long-term care ombudsman program was created. And, it seems to be working.

Last year alone, a news release states, volunteer ombudsmen made almost 4,000 administrative assessments and responded to nearly 7,800 complaints.

Those complaints ranged from improper medication and inadequate diets to neglect and "matters of dignity and respect."

About 190 of those assessments, and 260 of the investigations, took place in the First Coast area - Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties.

Just about everybody has an elderly relative in a long-term facility or one day may be in one themselves. That's why the hard work of these volunteers is appreciated.