ìAnyone can call if they feel their care is not appropriate,î said bureau manager of school nursing and ombudsman services Julie Parker.
Currently in Davis County, there are five nursing homes, 10 assisted living level one homes and seven assisted living level two homes in operation. Lead Ombudsman Kim Cannon visits each home at least once a month besides the calls she gets.
ìEach one is visited once a month by myself or one of our volunteers,î said Cannon. ìWe have a pretty good idea of whatís going on.î
The ombudsman program receives a variety of calls from complaints about food to insurance help to communication issues.
ìTypically, once an ombudsman is called, there is real concern,î said Cannon.
If the situation has gone too far, there is a chance that Adult Protection Services will get involved. ìIf there is any sexual abuse, we do call APS,î said Parker.
For most other situations, the ombudsman is there to investigate and communicate. ìWe are there to protect and advocate for their rights,î said Cannon.
During her walk-throughs of each home, she checks with the residents, nurses, volunteers and directors. ìOne reason itís so good to do a walk-though is that when you ask, ëHow is your care?í you immediately know what needs to be done,î said Cannon.
Cannon also said that Davis County is lucky. ìWeíve been lucky because we do have good facilities.î
Family members, volunteers and friends can call the hotline to report unfair treatment, and that person has the option to remain anonymous. The ombudsman will go in and investigate, then do her best to solve any issue.
The program also has two certified volunteers for their program. Jim Thomas and Annette Dester are both retired and have been trained through the state to be volunteers. Parker said she is grateful for their time, and says, ìYou can never have too many eyes and ears out there to look out for our citizens.î
sroberts@davisclipper.com
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