Volunteer Opportunities

For information on becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman contact Volunteer Coordinator Marybeth Hunt, 17oo Destiny Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone: 800.355.7580 ext 8830

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Gloria Peach always has a smile for the nursing home residents she visits and she looks forward to the smiles they give her in return. "When you see the smile on their faces and their eyes light up, that makes it worth it." she says. Gloria is one of several volunteer Ombudsman in the B.R.A.D.D. area who make weekly visits to nursing home residents.

Gloria is a retired nurse. Her 34 years of experience as a nurse helps her notice things that the average person may not notice. But, she also recieved 24 hours of training before becoming a Certified Ombudsman Volunteer. The training gave her the skills she needed to be an effective advocate for the nursing home residents she visits. During her weekly visits she provides residents with information about their rights as residents and assists them when they have difficulty asserting those rights or getting the help they need.

Gloria finds that most of the time the staff at the nursing homes she visits are willing to work with her to resolve resident problems. Often the solution is simply communicating the resident's needs to the right person in the right way. But Gloria, also has access to information about the responsibilities of nursing facilities. When necessary other agencies can be brought in to assist in problem resolution.

Gloria loves being a volunteer Ombudsman, "I just wish there were more volunteers." she says. "It's a very rewarding time for me."