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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Ombudsman Pat Davis changes lives
By Roger Suters
Many people care about residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, but in Berkshire County no one cares more than Pat Davis. For the past 13 years, Davis has been caring about residents as an Ombudsman volunteer at Elder Services. During this time she has been visiting nursing homes weekly, checking to see that each resident has the appropriate care they deserve and need to maintain their quality of life, including individualized care, respect, dignity, the right to visitation, the right to privacy, the right to complain, and the right to make independent choices. With the upcoming fall elections, Davis is quick to remind us not to forget that residents have the right to vote.
Davis retired from BMC where she concluded her nursing career as the Psychiatric Nursing Manager. Upon retiring Davis chose to actively pursue volunteer activities that would keep her engaged with the community and active in a productive way. She described her “nurturing nature” as an advocate on behalf of patients for whom she provided care, as the primary reason that she selected the Ombudsman program. Initially, one of her biggest challenges was to learn that the roles of the nurse and the ombudsman “do not cross over.” As she began on make this important transition Davis was able to focus her passion to ensuring and advocating on behalf of residents’ rights.
In her opinion, everyone benefits from the observations of an ombudsman: the residents, their family members, the staff, and the administration of the facility. This results in an “improved level of quality of service.” She serves in this role as a facilitator and problem solver. For example, she once noticed that a resident was extremely upset if her bed was not made with the bedspread neatly arranged promptly by 10:30 each morning. For the resident this was her “whole day.” To busy staff, who might be dealing with other more critical issues, this concern did not seem a priority. Davis was able to professionally bring this concern forward and to facilitate a resolution that provided a solution in a most respectful way.
Davis shared that “Some days I feel tired and not up to wanting to make my weekly visit. But by the time I finish, and I see a person smile, I feel very good. This is what it’s all about.” In addition to her Ombudsman work, Davis enjoys her time with her husband and their seven children and 11 grandchildren.
Roger Suters is the Director of Community Services and oversees the Area Agency on Aging programs of Elder Services.