The Area Agency on Aging District 7 Inc. has an opportunity for individuals interested in helping provide a voice for residents in long-term care nursing facilities.

Through the AAA7 Volunteer Ombudsman Program, these special helpers visit nursing home residents on a regular basis to provide them with a link to the outside world.

Through these visits, volunteer ombudsmen help to lessen the isolation and loneliness many residents experience. Volunteers also provide an essential voice for residents, providing advocacy and assistance for those who have concerns about their care.

AAA7 volunteer ombudsmen cover the following counties in Ohio: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.

Volunteer ombudsmen plan their own schedules, are permitted to visit any day of the week and are provided hands-on training and technical assistance by the AAA7 Ombudsman Program staff. Volunteers are recognized during an annual event and invited to various AAA7 training programs and conferences at no cost.

“Volunteer ombudsmen are invaluable to the AAA7 Ombudsman Program and the residents they serve,” said Kaye Inoshita, RN, director of AAA7 Ombudsman Program. “Through their wonderful service, volunteers provide a regular presence in our large ten-county service region while assisting with concerns regarding resident care.”

For more information, contact Mary Book or Kaye Inoshita at 1-800-582-7277 or email info@aaa7.org.

The local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay. The AAA7 Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options. Available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711). Individuals can speak directly with a nurse or social worker who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs. The Agency also offers an in-home assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the Agency can be contacted through email at info@aaa7.org. The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.