SWAN Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Long-Term Care Ombudsman services are available to residents of facilities located in one of nine Illinois counties: Crawford, Edwards, Hamilton, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White
We are here to protect long-term care residents' rights.
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Through our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, we accept reports of suspected neglect, abuse, or exploitation of anyone who lives in a long-term care facility. While most residents are well cared for, there are some who experience violations of their rights including neglect, poor care, abuse, isolation, and lack of choice or meaningful activities. The role of the Ombudsman is to listen to, assist, empower, represent, and intervene on behalf of any resident who needs our help. We can provide information to residents, and their friends and family members, about their rights, long-term care options, and services available in the community and nursing facilities.
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The Ombudsman Program is available, free of charge, for...
- People 18 or older who are a current, prospective, or former resident of a long-term care facility in the following Illinois counties: Crawford, Edwards, Hamilton, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White;
- The family and friends of people who live in a long-term care facility;
- People, and their families, who are considering long-term care facility placement;
- Long-term care facility staff and administrators with resident-related concerns;
- Other groups or community members who are concerned about the welfare of long-term care facility residents.
What can the Ombudsman do to help if neglect, abuse, or exploitation is happening to a resident of a long-term care facility?
- Listen closely to understand an issue from the resident's perspective. The Ombudsman is always the resident's advocate and works for them.
- Provide information to the resident about their rights and empower them to self-advocate, when appropriate.
- Investigate complaints or concerns and work to resolve them to the resident's satisfaction.
- Maintain confidentiality for the resident.
What are issues commonly handled by the Ombudsman?
- Improper discharge to an inappropriate setting;
- Failure to provide proper notice before discharge;
- Complaints of poor care and/or treatment of a resident by facility staff;
- Neglect and isolation of residents.
