State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a statewide advocacy program for residents of long-term care facilities. The State Ombudsman office is located at The Legal Center and operates through a contract with the Aging and Adult Services Division of The Department of Human Services. There are 16 local programs that operate within or in conjunction with the Regional Area Agency on Aging.

The program is authorized by state and federal law to investigate complaints made by (and on behalf of) residents of long-term care facilities. During the fiscal year 2006, The Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman handled 9,811 complaints. Approximately 71% of the complaints were resolved or partially resolved to the satisfaction of the resident or complainant. Ombudsmen handle and resolve complaints at the lowest possible level, thus reducing the need for agency action or litigation.