Ombudsman program aims to bring awareness to Residents Rights Month

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The rights of residents are always important for those in living facilities.

Throughout October, greater awareness is brought to residents' rights in order to protect freedoms and liberties. Organizations like the Ombudsman program, based here in Missouri, act as a neutral party to advocate for residents' rights.

Some of the rights the organization protects include dignity, respect, privacy and communication; the end goal for any instance requiring intervention between a resident and a living facility.

"If the resident says yes, I have a concern, then we hear what their concern is and listen to how they want it resolved," Regional Ombudsman Coordinator Rita Wallinga said. "We bring the staff in with the resident and we meet with them together to try and come up with something that both sides are in agreement."

For questions or information about the services the Ombudsman program provides, visit its website at www.yahresources.org.