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8 <br /> Statement from Victor Orija - State Long-Term Care Ombudsman <br /> Dear Thom Freeman: <br /> Ms.Autumn Cox, our regional long-term care ombudsman has forwarded your e-mail to <br /> me. Also,I read the e-mail from Mr.John Roberts. <br /> The issue is the vacancy.I do not recall the ombudsman's office appointing anyone to fill a <br /> vacancy.Traditionally,vacancies have been filled through advertisements by the commissioners. <br /> The ombudsman recruits by advertising on the county website,posted flyers in both senior <br /> centers,conducted numerous speaking events in the county where she gave an overview of the <br /> CAC program,passed out flyers,and also by word of mouth from other volunteers on the <br /> committee. <br /> In extreme situation,committees have been combined.Unfortunately,the pandemic is creating <br /> a hardship for us to recruit or enter a long-term care facility. <br /> These are the two options: Combine two committees, or fill the vacancy. <br /> Since the Emergency Declaration by the President in March 2020, ombudsmen have been <br /> restricted from entering long-term care facilities.Consequently, our office also extended this <br /> restriction to all representatives of The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. <br /> Representatives include all Community Advisory Committee volunteers (CAC volunteers).This <br /> restriction has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic duration. <br /> As of now, CAC volunteers,just like our regional long-term care ombudsmen remain restricted <br /> from entering long-term care facilities to conduct any advocacy.The ombudsmen are engaged <br /> in virtual complaint resolution and advocacy efforts. Our CAC volunteers do not investigate <br /> complaints.Furthermore,training a new CAC volunteer includes facility orientation.At this <br /> time, a CAC volunteer cannot enter a long-term care facility.Any new volunteer cannot enter a <br /> long-term care facility to undergo facility orientation because of the restriction. <br /> Soon,the ombudsman will be able to re-enter long-term care facilities and CAC volunteers who <br /> are already certified and designated,will be able to resume virtual training and meetings. <br /> Shortly after that,we will assess to ensure that it's safe for current CAC volunteers to re-enter <br /> long-term care facilities.From that point,we will start training new volunteers for certification <br /> and designation. <br /> IF you decide to combine two committees, I will suggest that you send a request to our Director, <br /> Division of Aging and Adult Services at the address below.The other option is to wait until full <br /> re-entry into long-term care facilities are resumed.Please advise if any additional questions. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Victor Orija <br /> State Long-Term Care Ombudsman <br />