Giving a Voice to the Vulnerable

The Role of Mississippi’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 

When we think about long-term care facilities—such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, and personal care homes—we often picture safe, supportive environments that treat our aging loved ones with dignity and compassion.

That vision does not come to reality without accountability and engagement by caring community advocates. So, who is responsible for ensuring that our most vulnerable populations are truly heard, seen, and cared for?  In Mississippi, that responsibility falls to a dedicated group of advocates known as Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. 

Under the federal Older Americans Act (OAA), every state is required to have an Ombudsman program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system.  There are 53 Ombudsman programs nationwide—one for each state, plus Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico. 

In Mississippi, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is staffed by a team of 19 committed professionals who work to protect the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care settings. Our mission is simple but powerful: to listen, investigate, and resolve complaints on behalf of residents across the state—whether those concerns involve care quality, dignity, safety, or even something as basic as the right to choose their daily routine. 

What makes the Ombudsman program unique is that we work solely for the residents, not their families, not the facilities, and not the state. Our role is to empower individuals who may feel voiceless or overlooked, ensuring they have someone in their corner who will advocate fiercely and confidentially for their rights. 

Each month, Ombudsmen visit the 406 licensed facilities across the state, building rapport and trust with residents so they feel comfortable sharing their concerns. When a resident voices an issue and gives permission, the Ombudsman works diligently to resolve it. In 2024, the Mississippi LTCOP received 1,608 complaints from residents in long-term care facilities. Of those, 1,385 were resolved to the satisfaction of the residents by their local Ombudsman. The most common concerns raised in 2024 included: 

• The standard of care provided by facilities 

• Residents’ right to make choices in their daily lives 

• The overall environment and quality of life in the facility 

Other issues included facility-initiated discharges or evictions, delayed responses to requests for assistance, and even reports of physical abuse. 

Beyond resolving complaints, Ombudsmen also educate residents and families about their rights, monitor facility conditions, and collaborate with staff to improve care practices often through in-service training. In many cases, the presence of an Ombudsman helps prevent problems before they begin. 

Despite the critical nature of this work, many Mississippians still don’t know the program exists. That’s why raising awareness is so important. If you have a loved one in a long-term care setting—or if you’re simply a concerned citizen—you should know that the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is here to help. 

If you have questions or concerns, you can reach your local Ombudsman by calling our statewide hotline at 1-888-844-0041. This number will guide you to a directory to find the Ombudsman serving your area. You can also email us at Ombudsman@mdhs.ms.gov, and someone will respond to your inquiry. 

You can support our mission by: 

• Learning more about residents’ rights in long-term care 

• Starting a family council at your loved one’s facility 

• Sharing this information with others in your community 

At its heart, the Mississippi Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is about dignity, respect, and justice for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Every resident deserves to be heard—and thanks to this program, they are.