Pennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Pennsylvania's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program works to resolve complaints and issues on behalf of individuals residing in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and personal care homes. Ombudsmen empower residents by educating them on their rights under federal and state law and advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves, to ensure that they receive the highest quality of care.  They also work to bring about change that improves care at the local, state, and national levels.

Ombudsman Volunteers

Volunteer Ombudsmen work to resolve complaints and issues on behalf of individuals residing in long term care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and personal care homes. They help to educate residents on their rights and advocate on their behalf. If you'd like to volunteer as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman, visit our Volunteer home page.

Virtual Family Council

A Resource for People with Loved Ones in Long-Term Care During COVID-19

Family and friends who are unable to see loved ones living in long-term care facilities because of the COVID-19 emergency may struggle with changes in protocol, rights and policies. The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is available to help with a new statewide resource called Virtual Family Council.

The program offers biweekly online meetings with a local ombudsman and a team of 10 local experts. Anyone can participate and ask questions, share concerns, or just listen to learn and gather information. The meetings will not address specific issues regarding a resident or a facility.

How to Attend

If you would like to attend, email Jay Rotz at jarotz@pa.gov and use 'Virtual Family Council' in the subject line to receive meeting link and instructions.  

* The meeting link will remain the same each week so if you would like to attend another meeting you can reuse the same information.

Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents Program

Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEERs) are individuals living in long-term care settings who have been trained to advocate to improve the quality of life in their homes. After graduating from a Long-Term Care Ombudsman five-part empowerment training, PEERs are equipped to help their fellow residents improve day-to-day life in long-term care facilities. PEERs also advise the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman on the issues affecting all of Pennsylvania's long-term care residents.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman or PEER Program, contact the Ombudsman office at
717-783-8975 or LTC-ombudsman@pa.gov.