FAQs

1. The doctor said my parent needs 24-hour supervision. I need help. I don’t know where to start.
2. My Mother wanders at night and I am concerned about her safety.
3. What must I look for when I visit a facility?
4. How many times should I visit a facility before making a decision?
5. What do I need to do before signing the final admission papers?
6. The facility told me I had to pay a cleaning/security deposit fee of $500 before my Dad could move in. Can they do that?
7. The administrator told me I had to pay a $1,000 dollars for a pre-admission evaluation of my Mom. Is this legal?
8. I just got a bill for my Mom and was charged $400 extra because the facility takes my mother to the dining room for her meals.
9. There are several valuable items missing in Mother’s room. The administrator apologized and told us not to bring expensive items because things disappear.
10. Where can I find a good resource for concise information on rights in a long-term care facility for my family member?
11. How can I become an Ombudsman?

1. The doctor said my parent needs 24-hour supervision. I need help. I don’t know where to start.
Start by calling our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services. Our Ombudsmen visit all facilities in Orange County. When you call, let us know which area is convenient to you and we can give you names of facilities that will meet your family member’s needs with the appropriate level of care and security.

2. My Mother wanders at night and I am concerned about her safety.
Whether loved ones live at home with you or in a licensed care setting, you should contact the Alzheimer's Association and request information about a safe return bracelet. If they live at home, consider a simple alarm system to alert you when a door is opened. In a licensed care facility there should be an alarm system in place if the facility staff claims they are able to care for residents with dementia.

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3. What must I look for when I visit a facility?
There are many things to consider depending on the type of facility under consideration. Please contact our Ombudsman and your questions will be answered specifically to meet your needs. We have checklists for both skilled and residential/assisted care facilities that are available.

5. What do I need to do before signing the final admission papers?
Whenever possible, take the admission agreement home with you and make time to read it very carefully, from beginning to end. Have someone else read it, as well, to make sure you haven't missed anything. Note specifics on the agreement to clarify what services will be provided (i.e., how many baths per week) or other areas of concern (refunds, moving out, etc.). Again, do not hesitate to contact the Ombudsman with any questions or concerns. Always get a copy of the signed agreement for your records.

6. The facility told me I had to pay a cleaning/security deposit fee of $500 before Dad could move in. Can they do that?
No. Facilities cannot charge a cleaning or security fee. Beware of other types of "deposits" as well. Always contact the Ombudsman or the appropriate licensing agency if you have questions or concerns. These services are considered part of the cost of doing business.

7. The administrator told me I had to pay a $1,000 dollars for a pre-admission evaluation of my Mom. Is this legal?
Legal? Probably. Do you have to agree to it? Probably not. Most likely you will be able to provide all the necessary information (doctor's report, etc.), that would be determined through a pre-admission evaluation.

8. I just got a bill for my Mom and was charged $400 extra because the facility takes my Mother to the dining room for her meals.
Read the admission agreement carefully. If it is not listed as costing extra, you do not have to pay.

9. There are several valuable items missing in Mother’s room. The administrator apologized and told us not to bring expensive items because things disappear.
Telling residents "not to bring expensive items because things disappear" is not considered a theft & loss policy. Check the theft and loss policy in the admission agreement. Make sure all items are on an inventory list and file a police report if the items were over $100.

A copy of residents' rights should be included in each admission packet. The Ombudsman will be happy to provide these as well.

You will be sent an application packet that must be returned prior to our semi-annual pre-training orientations. You can also complete a pre-application on this web site and it will be forwarded to our office.