WISE & Healthy Aging, a community-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the dignity and quality of life of older adults, announced the launch of its new advocacy website: WISEOmbudsman.org. The new site provides information, tools and resources for anyone who wants to get better care in a skilled nursing or residential care facility.
"Whether you're a professional, a family member or a facility resident who wants to understand their rights or know how to report a complaint about their care, our new site can help you find the information and resources you need," said Molly Davies, LCSW, President and CEO of WISE & Healthy Aging.
WISE & Healthy Aging has been the voice for disabled and older adult residents in long-term care facilities throughout Los Angeles County for more than 40 years and has also been operating the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in San Bernardino County since April 2022.
“Our advocacy to address poor-quality care in long-term care facilities has given us good insight about the information, tools and resources that people need when they suspect abuse or identify a resident’s rights issue,” added Davies.
The new site features everything from helping a facility resident know their rights; information and tools on how to make a complaint; resources and guides for professionals; the latest news; and info on how individuals can get involved in the fight against elder abuse.
A highlight of the new site is its “Facility Locator Map,” which enables a person to select from various criteria to pinpoint just the right type of nursing or assisted living facilities to meet their needs and to download a customized report of those facilities. It includes facilities in both Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
“There are many types of facilities for a person to consider, but they often don’t know where to start looking,” said Rachel Tate, Vice President, Ombudsman Services at WISE & Healthy Aging. “So, whether a person needs round the clock medical care, was recently discharged from the hospital, tends to wander because of their dementia, is low-income or disabled, the Facilitator Locator Tool helps them to know their options quickly.”
Submitted by Kelli Stauning
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 2, 2023. Read the original PDF.