Become an Ombudsman volunteer
MIFA’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program advocates for the rights of
thousands of residents in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities,
and residential care homes in Shelby, Tipton, Fayette, and Lauderdale
Counties. It is the only advocacy program for long-term care in the
four-county area.
Trained Ombudsman volunteers pay regular visits to these facilities,
where they spend time with residents, monitor conditions, investigate
complaints, and protect residents’ rights. Ombudsman staff consists of
a District Ombudsman and a Volunteer Coordinator, along with more than 60 trained volunteers. The program also offers mediation, complaint
resolution, and public education for residents and their families.
Requirements
Volunteers must be 21 years of age with no conflicts of interest,
provide references, submit to a background check, and complete an
interview. Twelve hours of training and certification are required
before a volunteer may visit residents. Volunteers must be willing and
able to commit to the program for a minimum of one year, visiting
residents on a weekly basis and working to resolve conflicts within
nursing homes and care facilities. For upcoming
training dates, see our events calendar.
For more information about the Ombudsman program and how to become a volunteer, please contact Katie Earnest at (901) 527-0208, ext. 230 or
kearnest@mifa.org.
To learn more about our other volunteer opportunities,
click here.