PITTSTON — There are more than 65 nursing homes in Luzerne County. The Luzerne/Wyoming County Ombudsman program of North Penn Legal Services actively advocates for the concerns and well-being of residents in these facilities.
The Ombudsman Program, staffed by dedicated professionals, also recruits volunteers to assist in its work. Ombudsmen, staff and volunteers endeavor to protect the rights — including the safety, security, and care — of residents, and to ensure privacy and respect in their long-term care communities.
Currently there are openings for volunteers — individuals who would enjoy visiting with long-time care residents one or two hours per week. Working under the supervision of Mary Ann May, the local Ombudsman in Luzerne/Wyoming Counties, the volunteers visit an assigned facility to learn of residents’ concerns and of issues of importance to them.
Hours are flexible and Ombudsman Volunteers will receive training on the rights of long-term care residents and share activities with other volunteers. Volunteers must provide their own transportation to facilities.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Mary Ann May, Ombudsman, North Penn Legal Services, Volunteer Ombudsman Program, 33 N. Main St., Suite 200 Pittston, PA 18640 or call 1-844-652-8083.
