VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Long Term Care Volunteer - Medicare Advisory Service
Long Term Care Volunteer
What does a volunteer Ombudsman do?
visits residents on a regular basis
Listens to residents' concerns and problems while having a friendly visit
Reports to the Ombudsman staff who will supervise and guide volunteers while they respond to the needs of residents
What training does a volunteer receive?
All volunteers must complete ten hours of initial training and become certified by the Ohio Department of Aging
What happens after that?
When initial training is completed, the Volunteer Coordinator will accompany the volunteer on an introductory visit to one or more long term care facilities for a guided tour and an opportunity to meet some staff members and ask any questions. After the first visit, the volunteer visits regularly. These friendly visits help build a bond with the residents who will then trust that you are ready to advocate for them.
How are facilities assigned?
Most volunteers visits a facility near their home. After training, we will discuss which facilities have need of a volunteer and which one you would be most able to visit.
What is the time commitment?
We ask for a minimum of four hours per month and a commitment of one year. This enables each volunteer to gain valuable experience as an ombudsman and to get to know the residents. Volunteer visits are unscheduled, and we recommend that you vary the time and days on which you enter facilities to visit with residents.
What experience do volunteers need?
The most important requirements are compassion and respect for older persons, along with common sense. You should also enjoy both talking and listening, and having a ready smile. There is a minimal amount of paperwork.
What are the rewards for the volunteer ombudsman?
Bring joy and happiness to someone who might get few or no visitors
Perform volunteer work on your own schedule
Learn about the many aspects of Long Term Care and services for the elderly
Perform meaningful advocacy for good quality care and residents rights
How do I sign up?
Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program at (937) 223-4613 or 1-800-395-8267
Medicare advisors are trained through the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), which is a division of the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Potential Medicare/OSHIIP volunteers receive 16-20 hours of classroom experience before they are certified. Upon certification, Medicare/OSHIIP volunteers assess client's needs for information or assistance in dealing with traditional or non-traditional Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplementary insurance, and long term care insurance.
Desired qualifications for Medicare/OSHIIP volunteers are:
an ability to work well with others
a sensitive and caring attitude
a willingness to learn and an ability to retain information relevant to health insurance provisions and claims filing procedures
For more information about becoming a Medicare/OSHIIP volunteer, contact the Consumer Services Division of the Ohio Department of Insurance at 1-800-686-1526.
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