Advocating for long-term care residents since 1975.
Who we are
Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program seeks to improve the quality of life for all long-term care residents by advocating for and protecting their health, safety, welfare, and rights. Our volunteer ombudsmen maintain a regular presence in long-term care facilities — identifying, investigating, and resolving residents' concerns — and conduct administrative assessments of every licensed long-term care facility in Florida.
200+
Active volunteer ombudsmen serving Florida
4,000+
Licensed long-term care facilities monitored
14
District offices across the state
18
Local councils serving Florida communities
Who we serve
Volunteer ombudsmen serve residents in three types of licensed long-term care settings across Florida.
Nursing homes
Skilled nursing facilities providing 24-hour medical and personal care.
Assisted living facilities
Residences offering housing, meals, and personal care services.
Adult family-care homes
Small, family-style homes providing care for a limited number of residents.
How it works
Apply
Submit your volunteer application. A District Ombudsman Manager reviews your information and reaches out to discuss the role.
Train & certify
Complete classroom and field training, then pass a Level II background screening before being certified as a volunteer ombudsman.
Visit facilities
Make regular, unannounced visits to your assigned long-term care facilities to meet with residents and identify concerns.
Advocate
Receive complaints, investigate, and work with facility staff and your District Council to resolve issues for residents.
The rights we work to protect.
Dignity
The right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
Privacy
The right to privacy in letters, phone calls, and visits.
Care planning
The right to be involved in decisions about their own care.
From the residents and families we've helped.
“I wanted to thank you for your help with my mom… she had nothing but praise for you. I am grateful for your interest and help.”
“I am writing this to thank you for your care, and from the bottom of my heart I sincerely am grateful to have you on my side. You don't know how it made me feel to see you here.”
“Thank you for your kindness and truly helpful spirit. You gave me hope!”
Not sure if this is the right fit?
Take a quick, honest self-check before applying. It takes about five minutes and helps you decide if the volunteer ombudsman role matches your life right now. Nothing is recorded.
Take the self-check