As we age or face health transitions, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about future care needs. While it’s never too early to explore long-term care options, many people aren’t sure where to begin.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves as an advocate for residents in longterm care facilities and is a valuable resource for anyone seeking information about long-term care. Starting these conversations early helps ensure you have time to understand care options, financial considerations, and medical eligibility requirements, avoiding unnecessary stress when decisions must be made quickly.

The Ombudsmen program provides information about Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Medicaid waivers which offer alternatives to nursing home care. We can also explain the various levels of care available and provide helpful guidance for comparing facilities. Many resources are available online, and nursing homes are required to keep up-todate survey binders accessible to the public for review.

We strongly encourage visiting facilities in person whenever possible to meet staff, observe residents, and experience the environment firsthand. Try to visit more than once and at different times of day to better understand the daily routines, activities, and staffing levels.

Planning today can help ensure peace of mind and quality care for tomorrow.

For more information or to discuss your long-term care options, you can contact your local ombudsman at 918682-7891, Eastern Oklahoma Development District Area Agency on Aging, serving Adair, Cherokee, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.