Prolonged isolation from friends and loved ones wasn’t the only burden born by residents of long-term care facilities during the pandemic. The mandatory lockdown intended to protect vulnerable adults also barred in-person access to the volunteers who heard their complaints and concerns and advocated for their rights.

Now that facilities have reopened, the state is working to rebuild its cadre of certified ombudsmen to rejuvenate that advocacy service. To that end, the Long Term Care Authority of the Enid Area Agency on Aging is hosting a free two-day session to train new ombudsman volunteers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14 and 15 at its Enid office. The agency’s goal is to have at least one ombudsman for each of its 32 long-term care facilities in the eight counties it serves, including Kingfi sher.

“We are in desperate need of volunteers to help maintain better communication so that the long-term care community can thrive,” Melanie Milacek, one of two ombudsman supervisors at the Enid agency, said.

“Long-term care facilities are valuable resources to our community, but there needs to be a voice to stand for resident rights.”

The 12-hour training can lead to state certification as an ombudsman, but the training is available without obligation to anyone interested.

“The training will cover senior issues, residents’ rights, nursing home laws and advocacy methods to help mediate and rectify issues for residents,” Milacek said.

Certified ombudsman volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of two hours per week to be available to facility residents, hear their concerns and assist with problem-solving.

Ombudsmen do not serve as volunteers for the facility itself and will not be involved in any direct patient care services.

Ombudsmen also will meet with the facility administrator to establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship and become familiar with the policies and procedures of the facility.

Volunteers are supervised via monthly meetings where they receive program updates and continuing education.

While many residents enjoy regular visits from friends and family who can check on their wellbeing, the majority do not, Milacek said.

“Would it surprise you that some surveys project as many as 70% of these residents do not get a visitor throughout the year?” she said.

To register for the twoday training, call Milacek or her fellow ombudsman supervisor Allen Tillman at (580)237-2236.