The Eastern Oklahoma Development District Area Agency on Aging, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents in long-term care facilities and can act as a resource for individuals and their families by answering your questions. It is never too late to start discussing longterm care options and by communicating early it can be helpful before it is necessary.

Waiting until an emergency will require making a serious decision, which may lead to not being able to evaluate every possibility or allowing opportunity to voice opinions and personal preferences. Discussing openly may help to alleviate stressful circumstances and provide time to make an informed decision.

The program recommends accessing www. medicare.gov/carecompare/. This tool can help to compare nursing homes and view recent survey inspections that can include information on facility staffing levels and complaint investigations. If you do not have online access, survey information is available at facilities.

Reaching out to facility administrators to request taking a tour can give you the opportunity to talk with facility staff and observe how they interact with residents. During this time, you can see what services and activities are provided, while also being able to speak with residents and family members to gain firsthand knowledge. Consider visiting more than once, during evening and weekend hours when staffing may be reduced.

If you have any questions regarding longterm care or if you would like more information, you can contact your local ombudsman at EODD Area Agency on Aging: Dominique Bonilla at 918-682-7891.

Serving: Adair, Cherokee, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.