What is one of the responsibilities of the ombudsman regarding policy review?

The role of the ombudsman in the context of long-term care primarily focuses on representing and advocating for the rights and welfare of residents. One of the key responsibilities is to assess rules and policies that impact resident welfare. This involves reviewing existing policies to ensure they are in the best interest of the residents, identifying potential areas for improvement, and making recommendations based on their findings and experiences.

By assessing these rules and policies, the ombudsman can identify gaps or issues that may negatively affect residents' quality of life, health, and safety. This assessment process is crucial for maintaining high standards in long-term care and ensuring that residents receive the necessary protection and support they deserve. It empowers the ombudsman to engage with policymakers and influence adaptations to regulations that better serve the needs of residents.

In contrast, creating new laws, conducting research on elder care quality, or training staff on compliance issues are not primary functions of the ombudsman. While these activities may be beneficial in the larger context of elder care, they fall outside the specific responsibility of assessing existing policies that directly affect resident welfare.