Empowering & Connecting

Volunteers help to educate residents about their rights, empowering them to become more vocal in resolving their own complaints and concerns.  Volunteers equip residents – and their families – to voice questions and concerns about care and services to the appropriate department or staff person who can investigate and work to resolve the issue.  This is important for reducing the isolation and loneliness many residents feel who may have no one to speak on their behalf.

Join us as a volunteer to help seniors understand how to get the assistance they need and exercise their rights, or consider helping by making presentations, outreach activities, or follow-up.  You will receive training and support from Pro Seniors’ staff.  Hours are flexible and convenient.

“Without our ombudsman . . . I think we would still be attempting to get someone to listen. 

Please commend her for speaking up for Bob.  She explained our concerns very well.”
~Marian, thank you email

When Can I Attend Training?

Watch this page for the next training dates. Candidates must complete all sessions to be eligible for certification.  We follow CDC guidelines. Sessions are offered via live webinar, and recorded.

Please complete your application (below).

What Are the Requirements?

• Pass a criminal background check
• Complete 16 hours of classroom training, 10 hours of homework, and shadow a staff ombudsman for 10 hours.
• Pass the certification exam from the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Invest 4 hours per month in contacting residents in a nearby nursing home or assisted living community
• Make a commitment to serve for at least 1 year

Start Here – Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Volunteering starts with completing the application below.  If you prefer, please contact Linda at OmbVol@proseniors.org to learn more or to request an application by mail.

Thank you for your interest!

I can’t volunteer right now – how else can I help?

Please help raise awareness of our available services or give a financial gift to support Pro Seniors’ advocacy for Ohio seniors.  Find more ideas of how to support Pro Seniors throughout the year at Give Now.

Current Volunteers

Thank you!  We have heard from so many of you how rewarding this volunteer activity is.  We agree!  You are truly enriching the lives of people you visit.

Ohio Administrative Code requires that we obtain an annual conflict of interest form from each ombudsman. Please complete this upon request from our volunteer coordinator. You may fax the completed form to 513-345-4164, or scan and email it, or mail it to Robert Vines, Managing Ombudsman, 7162 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237. Click here to complete the Ombudsman Complaint Report, or here to complete the Ombudsman Volunteer Report here.

If Linda or your staff ombudsman has asked you to take photos to share with Pro Seniors to promote this volunteer opportunity, please remember to get a signed media release to share along with your photos.

If you have any questions, please contact the Ombudsman Helpline at 513-458-5518.