What is the primary role of a state ombudsman?

The primary role of a state ombudsman is to act as an advocate for residents, particularly in settings such as long-term care facilities. This involves overseeing the services provided to residents, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they are receiving appropriate care.

By evaluating how these facilities operate and investigating complaints, the ombudsman works to foster accountability and transparency among employees and management. This oversight includes ensuring an adequate presence of staff, council, and appropriate training in these facilities, thereby improving the quality of care and addressing grievances raised by the residents or their families.

Other roles, such as providing legal advice or managing finances, are typically outside the scope of the ombudsman's responsibilities. The focus is more on advocacy and oversight rather than on direct legal or financial management, which distinguishes the ombudsman's function within the framework of supportive and corrective measures in care settings.