Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Long-term Care Ombudsman program represents and advocates for the rights of long-term care facility residents age 60 and older and protects and promotes their quality of life.

What is the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, mandated by the Older American’s Act and the Illinois Act on Aging, works to protect and promote the rights and quality of life for residents living in long-term care facilities. The term “resident” is defined by the Illinois Department on Aging as a person 60 or older who is either a current resident, a prospective resident, or a former resident of a long-term care facility. Ombudsmen work to resolve complaints on behalf of people who receive long-term care services. In addition, Ombudsmen provide regular presence visits in long-term care facilities, respond to requests for information and assistance, assure the interests of residents are represented to policy makers, provide education sessions to the general public and facility staff, and work to support resident and family councils.

Who Can Receive Assistance Through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

  • Residents of any long-term care facility, including those residing for short term rehab; 
  • Friends and relatives of residents who live in long-term care facilities; 
  • Long-term care facility staff members and administrators with resident-related concerns; 
  • Individuals and families who are considering nursing home placement as a long-term care option; 
  • The community at large; and
  • Other interested groups concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities.

Who are the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Provider Agencies in Suburban Cook County?

To contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program that serves Suburban Cook County (with the exception of the City of Evanston), please contact Legal Aid Chicago’s Ombudsman Program at (888) 401-8200 or via email at ombudsman@legalaidchicago.org.

To contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program that serves the City of Evanston, please contact the City of Evanston’s Ombudsman Program at (847) 448-8696 or via email at ombudsman@cityofevanston.org.

*If you are trying to locate a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program that serves residents of Illinois outside of Suburban Cook County, please refer to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Contact List.

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