Who does an ombudsman primarily advocate for?

An ombudsman primarily advocates for residents in long-term care facilities. Their role involves ensuring that the rights and needs of these residents are being met, particularly in relation to the quality of care, living conditions, and overall treatment within the facility. The ombudsman provides support to residents by investigating complaints, promoting awareness of residents' rights, and helping to resolve issues between residents and healthcare providers. This advocacy is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals in such settings, allowing their voices to be heard and ensuring they receive appropriate care and support. The focus of an ombudsman is fundamentally on the residents themselves, ensuring their needs are prioritized over other parties involved in the system, such as staff, families, or government organizations.