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.
About the Author: Shelby Walker is the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Mississippi. She leads the statewide program dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities. With a deep commitment to advocacy, education, and systemic improvement, she works to ensure that every resident in Mississippi receives the dignity, respect, and care they deserve.
MDHS Provides Tips To Help Seniors Protect and Access SNAP Benefits
Jackson, MS- As the holiday season approaches, MDHS is dedicated to ensuring that eligible seniors have easier access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Through the Elderly Simplified Assistance Program, MDHS aims to simplify the application process and help older residents maintain their eligibility for important food assistance.
Protecting Your SNAP Benefits: As the holidays can bring increased activity and potential risks, it’s crucial for seniors to safeguard their SNAP benefits. Here are some practical steps to prevent fraud:
Change your PIN after every transaction and select numbers that are not easily guessed.
Keep your PIN secure; cover the keypad while entering it.
Monitor your EBT account frequently for unauthorized transactions.
Check card reading machines for any suspicious overlays or attachments.
Important Reminder: SNAP benefits will expire after 9 months of inactivity on the card. To prevent your benefits from expiring, it is essential to use your EBT card at least once every 274 days.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the ESAP, individuals must meet the following criteria:
All household members are aged 60 or over.
No household members receive earned income.
The household is not mandated to receive SNAP benefits through the Mississippi Combined Application Project (MSCAP).
Eligible households are required to apply through ESAP and cannot participate in the regular SNAP program.
How to Apply: Seniors can use the SNAP Simplified Application for the Elderly (ESAP) form to apply for benefits. This form is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Applications are accepted if:
Everyone in the household is aged 60 or older, or all members aged 60 or older purchase and prepare food separately; and
Caring for Our Caregivers: Enhancing Support for Mississippi’s Aging Population
November is National Caregiver Month, which is dedicated to recognizing and supporting caregivers as they provide essential care for others. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”
DAAS is enhancing its programs to assist those who care for our most vulnerable citizens and better support our aging population.
“As our communities grow older, it’s imperative that we invest in the well-being of caregivers who are the backbone of our support systems,” said Kenyada Blake, Director of the MDHS Division of Aging and Adult Services. “The Mississippi Dementia Care Program is dedicated to providing essential respite and support services, ensuring caregivers have the necessary tools to care for their loved ones while also taking care of themselves.”
Under the Older Americans Act, MDHS administers the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which provides temporary relief for regular caregivers—whether they are spouses, children, or relatives—of individuals who are ill, functionally impaired, or living with dementia and require constant in-home care.
The Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program collaborates with 10 Area Agencies on Aging and local community service providers to deliver five essential services for family caregivers, including:
Information about available services.
Assistance in accessing services.
Individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training to help caregivers make informed decisions and solve problems related to their caregiving roles.
Respite care temporarily relieves caregivers of their responsibilities.
Supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers.
The Mississippi Dementia Care Program provides respite care and support services to informal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) or cognitive impairment. Caregivers will have access to approximately 27 hours of respite care per month for twelve consecutive months. Support will also be offered through Building Better Caregiver workshops.
It is crucial for caregivers to take regular breaks to recharge and manage stress levels. Here are some recommendations:
Be hopeful in your outlook.
Maintain or increase levels of physical activity.
Prioritize mental health.
Stay connected with friends and family whenever possible.
For additional information on Family Caregiver Support Program and other programs available for adults and seniors, visit MDHS Aging & Adult Services.
Caring for Our Caregivers: MDHS Enhances Support Programs for Mississippi’s Aging Population
(Jackson, Miss.) – November is National Caregiver Month, which is dedicated to recognizing and supporting caregivers as they provide essential care for others. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”
Through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) offers two primary programs to assist caregivers: the Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program and the Mississippi Dementia Care Program.
DAAS is enhancing its programs to assist those who care for our most vulnerable citizens and better support our aging population.
“As our communities grow older, it’s imperative that we invest in the well-being of caregivers who are the backbone of our support systems,” said Kenyada Blake, Director of the MDHS Division of Aging and Adult Services. “The Mississippi Dementia Care Program is dedicated to providing essential respite and support services, ensuring caregivers have the necessary tools to care for their loved ones while also taking care of themselves.”
Under the Older Americans Act, MDHS administers the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which provides temporary relief for regular caregivers—whether they are spouses, children, or relatives—of individuals who are ill, functionally impaired, or living with dementia and require constant in-home care.
The Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program collaborates with 10 Area Agencies on Aging and local community service providers to deliver five essential services for family caregivers, including:
Information about available services.
Assistance in accessing services.
Individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training to help caregivers make informed decisions and solve problems related to their caregiving roles.
Respite care temporarily relieves caregivers of their responsibilities.
Supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers.
The Mississippi Dementia Care Program provides respite care and support services to informal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) or cognitive impairment. Caregivers will have access to approximately 27 hours of respite care per month for twelve consecutive months. Support will also be offered through Building Better Caregiver workshops.
It is crucial for caregivers to take regular breaks to recharge and manage stress levels. Here are some recommendations:
Be hopeful in your outlook.
Maintain or increase levels of physical activity.
Prioritize mental health.
Stay connected with friends and family whenever possible.
To connect to the Mississippi Dementia Care Program, contact the Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Center at 844-822-4622 or email msdementia.care@mdhs.ms.gov.
For additional information on Family Caregiver Support Program and other programs available for adults and seniors, visit MDHS Aging & Adult Services.
Shelby Walker is the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Mississippi. She leads the statewide program dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities. With a deep commitment to advocacy, education, and systemic improvement, she works to ensure that every resident in Mississippi receives the dignity, respect, and care they deserve. 