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Board honors Ventura County long‑term care ombudsman volunteers; program highlights resident outreach
Summary
The board presented a proclamation and heard residents praise the county’s certified ombudsman volunteer program, which provides advocacy and weekly in‑facility visits to long‑term care residents.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 10 recognized the county’s Long‑Term Care Ombudsman Program and presented a proclamation to program staff and volunteers, who offer weekly visits and advocacy for residents of nursing and long‑term care facilities.
Keith Gosselin, executive director of Ventura County Long‑Term Care Services, described the program to the board and read a story illustrating how volunteers build relationships with residents who receive infrequent visits. Gosselin said the county’s certified volunteer ombudsmen “have been advocates and friends for the overlooked, the forgotten, the marginalized for over 40 years” and highlighted a new community relations program led by Sylvia Taylor Stein that delivers community performances, plush comfort animals and dementia grief programs to residents.
Several facility residents addressed the board directly during the ombudsman presentation, describing volunteers as a lifeline. One resident said a volunteer “comes every Monday” and “lifts me up.” Another told the board the visitor “brighten[s] my days.” The board and county staff thanked the volunteers and arranged a group photo.
The presentation noted the program has more than 45 California‑state‑certified volunteer ombudsmen in Ventura County and emphasized that services are provided at no cost to residents; volunteers advocate for resident preferences, help resolve complaints, and assist with nonclinical needs. County staff invited residents and community members to volunteer, donate items, or identify services that could be provided to residents.
Supervisor remarks praised the program as part of county efforts to “full circle” care for older residents and people in long‑term care. The board adopted the proclamation and posed for a ceremonial photo with program volunteers.
