Become a Volunteer LTC Ombudsman

"Talking with residents, getting to share a laugh with them. That's priceless."
— Ombudsman Matt

People who live in nursing facilities and assisted living facilities may have little or no contact with the outside world. Many feel they lack control over their lives. A certified volunteer ombudsman who visits regularly can be the highlight of a resident's day and ensure residents get good care.

If you have a passion for helping others, a caring spirit and a willingness to learn, we need you! Become an ombudsman and help improve the quality of life and care for residents in a facility near you. We provide training, tools and ongoing support from your local ombudsman program.

Apply now.

What You Need to Know

Meet some of the wonderful people who serve as volunteer long-term care ombudsmen to one of our state’s most vulnerable populations. 

Volunteer ombudsmen are advocates who help improve the quality of life and care for people living in nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.

Volunteers regularly visit residents at an assigned nursing facility or assisted living facility. They listen to residents' concerns and, with resident consent, investigate, problem-solve and help resolve concerns. Ombudsmen support residents' rights, privacy and confidentiality.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and possess genuine care and concern for older adults. An ombudsman must not have a criminal history that poses a risk to residents and must be screened for conflicts of interest.

No experience is required. Training, ongoing supervision and support are provided by the local ombudsman office. The most important requirements are compassion, respect for older people, listening skills and common sense. A positive attitude and available time are also important.

Volunteers participate in a free, 36-hour certification training course. Training includes classroom, self-study and in-facility training. Each volunteer serves a three-month internship. The local manager recommends volunteers for certification, and the State Long-term Care Ombudsman makes the final decision.

Ongoing education is provided. Eighteen hours of continuing education is required annually.

After training, volunteer hours are flexible. Volunteer hours vary but on average, most volunteers serve one or two hours per week.

Volunteers benefit by making a difference in the lives of residents. They also improve and develop their interpersonal and problem-solving skills while building trusting relationships.

Volunteer facility assignments use two main factors: where we have a need for volunteers and the volunteers' preference.

To volunteer, call Pat Borgfeldt at 512-438-2545 or email pat.borgfeldt@hhs.texas.gov. You also can contact your local ombudsman office.

Apply now.