idealist.org

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 the Memphis 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 40 trained volunteers. The program also offers mediation, complaint resolution, and public education for residents and their families.

Volunteers must be at least 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 more information about the Ombudsman program and how to become a volunteer, please contact Rick Finkey at (901) 527-0208, ext. 230 or rfinkey@mifa.org, or fill out an online application here: www.mifa.org/volunteerapplication.