Elder Services’ volunteer ombudsmen make good things happen
New ombudsman training program set for March 29, 30 and 31
By Roger Suters
Good things happen every day in the Berkshires when an Elder Services’ Ombudsman volunteer stops by to say hello to residents of one of the 16 nursing and rest homes in the county. Ombudsman volunteers are advocates for the residents: protecting their rights, helping to resolve any issues that might develop, and providing information. This dedicated group of 20 caring volunteers makes a difference in the lives of 1,800 residents by serving as their eyes and ears each and every day.
The term “ombudsman” originated in Sweden in the early 18th century, when the king appointed a citizen representative he called an “ombudsman” to investigate complaints made against his royal officers. Today, ombudsmen serve as mediators for a variety of organizations, even newspapers, but no ombudsman group appears to be as widespread as those who look after the interests of nursing home residents.
The Elder Services’ program is part of a nationwide nursing home ombudsman network established by the Federal government in 1973. Massachusetts has been a pioneer in the field.
Once Elder Services’ ombudsman volunteers have been trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, they are assigned to a specific facility. The volunteer ombudsmen continue to receive monthly training from the Elder Services’ Ombudsman Program Director Dorinda Gamberdella and Assistant Program Director Dermot Sporbert. The latest training featured an in-depth presentation on the effects of traumatic and acquired brain injuries by Suzanne D. K. Doswell, Western Regional Manager of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.
Each volunteer ombudsman visits an assigned nursing home at least weekly to chat with residents, make sure they are receiving proper care, and encourage activities such as visits by children, pets and musical programs. Ombudsmen work closely with nursing and rest home administrators, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to ensure that the rights and dignity of all nursing home residents are respected.
Gamberdella has indicated that Elder Services’ Ombudsman Program in the Berkshires has grown “beyond expectations” and is pursuing a commitment to assign two ombudsmen to each facility. To meet this growing need for additional volunteer ombudsmen, Elder Services has scheduled a training program on March 29, 30 and 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. For information and to apply, call Dorinda Gamberdella at 413-236-1726.
Roger Suters is Elder Services' Director of Community Services.
