Long-Term Care Ombudsman | High Country Area Agency on Aging

How do I contact my Ombudsman?

Facilities are required to post ombudsman contact information and provide private phone access. Conversations with the ombudsman are kept confidential.

The Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman can be contacted by phone, email, or mail.

Stevie Welborn
Regional Ombudsman
468 New Market Blvd.
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-265-5434 ext. 126
Email: swelborn@hccog.org

Role of the Ombudsman

The Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an advocate for residents in the region's long term care facilities. The ombudsman ensures that all resident's rights and quality of life established through the Resident's Bill of Rights are upheld by:

Resolving complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities.
Educating consumers and long-term care providers about residents' rights and good care practices.
Promoting community involvement through volunteer opportunities.
Providing information to the public on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and services, residents' rights, and legislative and policy issues.
Advocating for residents' rights and quality care in nursing homes and adult care homes.
Promoting the development of citizen organizations, family councils, and resident councils.

Resident Rights

In North Carolina, residents of long-term care facilities have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and privacy. They are entitled to make choices about their care, participate in decisions affecting their health and well-being, and voice complaints without fear of retaliation. These rights also include access to medical records, freedom from abuse or neglect, and the ability to manage personal finances or designate someone to do so. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps protect and advocate for these rights.

What is Long Term Care?

There are two levels of long-term care facilities in North Carolina, adult care homes, and nursing homes. Levels of care needs are determined by a primary care physician.

Adult Care Home

An adult care home, commonly referred to as "Assisted Living,” is for people who need help with daily care, but not as much help as a nursing home provides. Assisted living facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to 100 or more. Typically, a few levels of care are offered, and residents pay more if they need extra services or special care.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide a wide range of health and personal care services. Their services focus more on medical care than most assisted living facilities. Services offered in a nursing home typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available.

View Regional Long-Term Care Facility List

Community Advisory Committees

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is a group of appointed citizens that assist the Long-Term Care Ombudsman in advocating for the rights of long-term care residents. They are appointed by the county commissioners and are trained by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Community Advisory Committees play a vital role in linking residents to their communities.

Community Advisory Committees can be contacted to help address concerns with guidance from the ombudsman, discuss involvement with volunteer opportunities in facilities, and provide additional advocacy information.

View CAC Application Form