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

Due to the end of the Public Health Emergency, the last meeting of the Virutal Family Council was held on June 20, 2023. The council will remain active on the Virtual Family Council Facebook page, and the family chat area will remain open. Previous meetings are available on the Virtual Family Council's YouTube channel.

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.