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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

Indiana State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

We achieve our mission with a network of local offices across the state, which recruit, train and manage a corps of certified ombudsmen. Staff and volunteer ombudsmen visit facilities throughout the state to ensure residents’ rights are being upheld. We are here for you—residents, family members, friends and anyone interested in the welfare of long-term care residents. Our services are free and co

nfidential.

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What does a long-term care ombudsman do? Certified long-term care ombudsmen are trained to receive complaints and assist residents to resolve problems in situations involving quality of care, use of chemical or physical restraints, transfer and discharge, abuse and other aspects of resident rights. Your ombudsman will:

- Advocate for your rights as a resident living in a long-term care facility
- Resolve concerns about your quality of life and quality of care received
- Work with you, your family or friends, and facility staff to meet your needs
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Provide education on how to self-advocate
- Provide education about long-term care facilities as well as other service options in the community
- Help you establish a resident or family council

Who can contact the long-term care ombudsman?

- Residents of nursing homes and licensed assisted living facilities
- Relatives and friends of residents in long-term care facilities
- Administrators and employees of long-term care facilities
- Anyone concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities
- The community at large

Reasons why people call us:

- Problems with care — call lights not being answered, problems with medication being administered, poor hygiene, etc.
- Violations of rights — privacy issues, loss of dignity issues, poor staff attitudes, emotional and verbal abuses, etc.
- Problems with transfers and discharges — improperly discharged, service fees not disclosed, refused readmission, Medicaid discrimination, etc.

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DISCLAIMER: Welcome to an official social media account sponsored by the Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. This account is managed by Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program staff to increase the program's visibility on social media. It will be used as an education and outreach mechanism that will distribute accurate information about Indiana’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and its services. We encourage participants to be civil and abide by the usage guidelines established by the social media platform. In addition, please be aware of the following:

- We monitor Indiana LTCOP-sponsored social media profiles and pages but are not responsible for the content generated by users.
- Comments, links and images posted by non-Indiana LTCOP personnel may not necessarily represent the views of the Indiana LTCOP.
- We do not allow profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, advertising or political campaigning on our social media channels. Such content may be removed.
- Other posts that may be removed include hate speech, nudity, intellectual property infringements and defamation to a person or people. Please express your opinions and comments without name calling and insults.
- We also may remove posts that are considered inappropriate, off-topic, excessively repetitive and/or disruptive to the online community and our social media efforts. Discussions of political views and philosophies should be addressed in other forums.
- Personal information that is covered by HIPAA will also be removed to protect the individual’s privacy.
- We will answer questions and monitor site activity during state business offices hours as time permits. The information may not be correct.
- If you have an immediate concern, we recommend contacting the specific division or program by telephone or email. Visit www.in.gov/ombudsman to find contact information for divisions or programs.
- Information shared on this site is not intended as a final rule for legal situations.
- There may be specific subjects -- such as litigation, licensing processes, or administrative rule changes that we will not discuss in social media outlets. Please contact Lynn Clough, director of the Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at [email protected] with any questions.

04/04/2025

Meet Mhelody Martinez, our dedicated local long-term care ombudsman for Area 12, serving Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland counties under the Southeastern Indiana Independent Living Center. With nearly 20 years of experience in long-term care, Mhelody has built a diverse background that includes roles as a direct care staff, day program coordinator, administrator, and Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) in various facilities in San Jose, California. Most recently, Mhelody served as a supervisor in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in LaGrange, KY.

In January 2025, Mhelody embraced the opportunity to become an ombudsman, driven by a passion for advocacy and making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. This role allows her to address the complaints and concerns of the residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Outside of work, Mhelody is a proud mother of four, balancing family life with a supportive husband who encourages the pursuit of her passion for care. When not advocating for residents, Mhelody enjoys spending quality time with family, exploring camping sites, and basking in the sun at the beach. With a deep commitment to both family and community, she embodies the spirit of care and advocacy in all aspects of life.

04/01/2025

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

11/27/2024

Be proactive to prevent resident isolation from family and friends during a health emergency, or any time. Support the Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 by signing the petition!!

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care The Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 (H.R. 8331 and S. 4280) ensures residents in long-term care facilities can designate at least one essential caregiver with guaranteed visitation rights, even during emergencies. This vital legislation safeguards the rights, dignity, and emotional well-being of so...