Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Adult Protection: Who are They Anyway and How Do They Help?
By: Cheryl Hennen, State Ombudsman, Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, Minnesota Board on Aging;
Natasha Merz, Deputy Ombudsman, Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, MInnesota Board on Aging
Handouts – Ombudsman Webinar – 1 per page Handouts – Ombudsman Webinar – 3 per page
This webinar will cover the role and responsibilities of the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care. In addition, a focus on identifying and discussing the differences in the role of the Ombudsman versus the role of the Adult Protection Worker when working with a vulnerable adults.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role and function of the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care.
- Develop an understanding of how adult protection workers and regional ombudsman can collaborate to serve vulnerable adults.
- Discuss how the roles may sometimes conflict, and how to manage the conflicting roles
- Learn Ombudsman perspective on current rights, person-centered approach, and protection issues in long-term care.
Cheryl Hennen, State Ombudsman, Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care. Cheryl has been employed as an Ombudsman since January of 2004. She has served as a volunteer advocate, regional ombudsman, ombudsman policy specialist, and as Deputy Ombudsman.
Natasha Merz, Deputy Ombudsman, Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care. Natasha started with the Office in 2007 as a Regional Ombudsman in the metro area, followed by a position providing policy work to support the office. In 2014, Natasha spent a year in the Disability Services Division working on waiver policy and technical assistance to counties.