News
4/15/2012 - King County Elderly Advocates Program Moves to MSC
King County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is now based at Multi-Service Center in Federal Way
FEDERAL WAY, WA….. As of April 1, the King County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) has relocated its offices from North Seattle to Federal Way to join its parent program, the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, operated by Multi-Service Center.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, mandated by the Federal Older Americans Act, is intended to improve the quality of life for residents of licensed long-term care facilities. Its purpose is to protect and promote residents’ rights in long-term care facilities and assist in empowering residents to become self-advocates. The King County program is the largest running program of 13 regional programs in Washington.
“We are delighted to welcome King County LTCOP to Multi-Service Center,” said Robin Corak, CEO, Multi-Service Center. “The program has a strong reputation in the area as a vital resource for residents of long-term care facilities in the county. The employees and volunteers who make up this program will be an asset to our agency and to South King County.”
According to Patricia Hunter, state ombudsman, Multi-Service Center, the King County program includes seven employees, both full- and part-time, as well as nearly 100 certified ombudsmen, who donate about 12,000 hours of service per year. “Many of those hours are focused right here in serving South King County communities where there are large numbers of adult family homes,” she added.
Vicki Elting, assistant state ombudsman, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, says the change in offices will not alter client service.
“Clients and users of the program can expect to receive the same high quality service, regardless of the relocation,” said Elting. “For over 20 years we’ve served the region well and we will continue to be where we are needed throughout the county.”
If you or someone you know lives in a long-term care setting such as an adult family home, nursing home or assisted living facility and have concerns or complaints about resident care, dignity, or safety, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Hotline at (800) 562-6028. All calls are kept confidential.
Learn more about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
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