To volunteer please call the
Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office (661) 323-7884

A program run predominantly through state-certified volunteers to ensure elderly residents living in long-term care and nursing facilities throughout Kern County live with dignity and respect in an environment free from abuse and/or neglect.

Our dedicated volunteers and staff are trained and state-certified as resident advocates. They help protect the health, safety and welfare of those in need of a voice. In addition, we:

• Witness Advanced Health Care Directives for residents
• Protect the residents’ rights according to Federal and State laws
• Prevent inappropriate facility transfers and improper evictions
• Provide lists of licensed long-term care facilities and general consumer information about these locations
• Educate caregivers, health providers and the public through our Speakers Bureau or community outreach activities

Eligibility

The individual must be an elderly or dependent adult residing in a long-term care facility located within Kern County. The program gives priority to residents who are sixty years or older. All services are provided free of charge, regardless of income or assets.