The elder population is growing older, fast. By mid-century 400 million people will be over the age of 80. Not every elder is headed for an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, but the sheer number of elders means many will. The transition from independence to depending on others for daily needs can be difficult. So much is lost ...belongings, community, activities, health, freedom to move about freely.

When people move into long-term care they take their rights as American citizens with them. They also gain specific rights guaranteed by the Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987: The right to be fully informed, the right to participate in their own care, the right to make independent choices, the right to privacy and confidentiality, the right to dignity, respect and freedom, the right to security for their possessions, the right to remain in the facility, and the right to raise concerns or complaints.

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of long-term care facilities. Area 1, which covers the 5 northern counties of Idaho, has trained volunteers visiting the facilities, observing the environment and assuring that residents rights are protected.

Imagine having to wait 30 minutes for someone to help you to the bathroom, or having your food served cold, or skipping an activity because there is a shortage of staff, or having family visits restricted after 8 p.m. Imagine your pain medication coming an hour late, or missing a bath because a staff member is behind on her schedule. These are resident rights issues ombudsmen address.

Bert wanted to sleep past 6 a.m. but the facility said getting the residents awake by 6 a.m. was its standard practice. Bert was reluctant to complain and went along with that regimen for a time. Finally, he told his complaint to the new volunteer ombudsman assigned to his facility. The ombudsman talked to the administrator and reminded her of the resident's right of reasonable choice. As a result, the culture of the facility began to change, moving toward more resident-centered care. Bert now happily sleeps until 7 a.m.

What is it like to be afraid to complain or too confused or overwhelmed to solve a problem on your own? What is it like to rely on others for your meds, your food, your safety, your care and your comfort? The ombudsman is someone the resident can trust to always advocate for them.

Ideally, a facility is resident-centered, putting the resident first over facility convenience. Many facilities do a good job, but many have to be reminded about resident rights. The ombudsmen are problem-solvers and are out in the facilities being voices for the residents, helping to solve their problems.

A new volunteer assistant ombudsman training starts Sept. 7. The training will be held every Wednesday for 7 weeks until Oct. 19. Join our team and advocate for those vulnerable elders who need your voice to speak for them.

Contact Jan Noyes at the Area Agency on Aging at (208) 667-3179 or [email protected].