Volunteer with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Ombudsman volunteers visit nursing homes and assisted living communities to support people living there. They build trust, listen to concerns, and make sure people are treated with respect and their choices are honored. Ombudsman volunteers help find solutions and connect people with services so everyone gets the care and support they need.

Imagine your loved one in a nursing home. Wouldn’t you want someone to speak up so they feel safe and respected? To an older adult in care, your presence says: you’re not alone.

• One visit can remind someone that they are seen and heard.
• It’s a way to connect, listen, and make a direct impact.
• Training and support are with you every step of the way.

Volunteers are needed to support the more than 322,000 people living in over 9,000 long-term care facilities like nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state.

Ombudsman Volunteers:

• Visit facilities regularly, building trust and presence.
• Listen and respond to people’s concerns.
• Support rights, privacy, and dignity.

Through their time and care, Ombudsman volunteers help people feel seen, valued, and supported while protecting their rights.

Success Stories: Voices of Volunteers

Real stories. Real impact.

• Ruth: Found where Ombudsmen can make a real impact, proving one voice can shift a system.
• Kathy: Turned her empathy into advocacy, becoming a trusted presence for residents who once felt invisible.
• Michael: Shows us that change isn’t theoretical, it’s personal, local, and urgently needed.

When needed most, Ombudsmen stepped in. Here’s what that looked like in action:

• 69,645 visits to long-term care facilities, showing people living there that they are seen, heard, and respected.
• 34,864 complaints investigated. When something wasn’t right, we didn’t look away.
• 21,724 calls answered on the 24/7 CRISISline.

If people have trusted you in tough moments, this role will feel natural. Your skills, your voice, and your compassion are exactly what’s needed.

Requirements:

• Age 18+
• Pass a background check
• Complete certification, training & mentoring (training and support provided)
• Ongoing annual recertification

Not all Ombudsman volunteers are the same, and that’s an important strength of the program. Every person brings unique qualities to the role and each Ombudsman volunteer opportunity may differ in required time commitments and responsibilities, depending on the location.

Find where to serve in your area - Become a volunteer today!

Email stateomb@aging.ca.gov to be connected to your local ombudsman program.