Above: The Senior Center asked me to share a call for volunteers to help advocate for local nursing home residents (images cropped from past communications on Baypath website)
The Southborough Senior Center asked me to share an announcement. The regional elder services agency is seeking people to be trained as Nursing Home Advocates. (Also know as “Ombudsman”.)
Here is their call for volunteers:
Join the Springwell (formerly known as BayPath) Volunteer Team as an Ombudsman and become an advocate for residents in local long-term care facilities.
Ombudsman volunteers act as advocates at long-term care facilities working to ensure that the residents’ rights are being protected and helping residents with problems that they are unable to resolve alone, ensuring that complaints and concerns are heard. We are seeking individuals who are empathetic, diplomatic, and skilled communicators to join an amazing group of dedicated Ombudsmen! Do you want to make a real difference by improving the quality of life for long-term care residents?
Please contact Mary Brooks at 508-573-7235 to learn more.
You can find more information on the program here and in the flyer above right.
Baypath’s* program page describes:
ombudsmen are volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to help resolve concerns and issues of residents of long-term care facilities.
What is required for someone to become a Nursing Home Ombudsman Volunteer?
- A sincere interest in making a difference for residents
- The ability to listen
- Able to be observant of the dynamics and logistics within the facility
- Good communication skills
- Ability to exhibit strong judgment
- Exhibit Patientience and compassionate
What benefits do volunteers receive?
- Personal satisfaction in helping vulnerable elders
- Certification training
- Continuing education on relevant healthcare issues
- Professional supervision and monthly support meetings
- Travel expenses are reimbursed
*Although Baypath and Springwell have merged, it appears the local services are still advertised on the Baypath website.
