Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc.

Causes: Civil Rights, Disabilities, Disabled Persons Rights, Human Services, Seniors, Seniors Rights

Mission: The Mission of Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County (OSSMC) is to actively promote standards of excellence in advocacy and enhancement of the quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities in the county.

Target demographics: advocate for frail and vulnerable residents in the long term care facilities in San Mateo County. We investigate complaints made on behalf of the residents, and we work to bring resolution to those complaints.

Geographic areas served: San Mateo County

Programs: Monitor long term facilities for quality of care, quality of life and violation of residents’ rights, Advocate on behalf of facility residents, Receive, investigate and resolve complaints on behalf of residents, Investigate elder abuse that occurs in the facilities, Work with families to find suitable placement for their loved ones Work to resolve systemic problems that affect all residents in a facility, Witnessing services for execution of Advance Directives for Health Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assistance to access MediCal, Investigation of MediCal fraud Community Education on elder care and elder abuse issues, In-service education for facility staff, Facilitation of “Best Practice” referrals between facilities