Advocating for Kentuckians in Long-Term Care
The Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency (NHOA) of the Bluegrass is an independent, nonprofit agency headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.
Our Vision
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass (NHOA) envisions a world where aging and disability come with value, ease, dignity, and hope.
Our Mission
NHOA’s mission is to demand the highest quality of care for long-term care residents through empowerment, support, education, and advocacy.
History of the Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was established under the Older Americans Act, a federal law that ensures the rights of residents in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, and family care homes.
Since its inception, the program has worked to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of these residents across Kentucky. Volunteer ombudsmen play a crucial role by advocating for residents, investigating complaints, and working to improve the quality of care in long-term care facilities. The program operates under both federal and state laws to uphold residents’ rights and ensure they receive the care they deserve.
A History of Advocacy in Kentucky
Founded in 1981, NHOA was established by citizens concerned about conditions in Kentucky nursing homes. These individuals organized to provide advocacy services to frail, vulnerable elders and people with disabilities, using the federal Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program as the authorizing framework and model.
The agency assembled a volunteer Board of Directors, an Advisory Board of relevant professionals, and a committee of nursing home residents. They recruited ombudsmen from neighborhoods near each nursing home to visit with residents and monitor the quality of care. What started as four volunteer ombudsmen in four Lexington nursing homes has grown into a statewide advocacy agency.
To learn more, click here to read Kentucky’s laws regarding the Ombudsman Program.
NHOA’s Role in Kentucky Today
Today, the Bluegrass District Ombudsman Program is a nationally recognized model, serving nearly 7,000 long-term care residents across 17 central Kentucky counties. The program employs 30 certified ombudsmen who regularly visit residents, monitor care, and provide advocacy services.
Since September 2014, Kentucky’s Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) has contracted with NHOA to operate the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Sherry Culp, leads the statewide program, providing technical assistance to Kentucky’s 15 District Ombudsmen.
Make a difference in the lives of Kentucky’s long-term care residents by becoming a certified volunteer ombudsman. Our trained volunteers visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, personal care homes, and family care homes to advocate for residents and help resolve concerns about their care and quality of life.
Why Become a Volunteer Ombudsman?
As a volunteer, you will:
✔️ Ensure residents’ rights are protected
✔️ Work with facility staff and families to resolve complaints
✔️ Gain valuable knowledge about aging and long-term care
✔️ Be part of a team dedicated to improving senior care in Kentucky
Join us in making a positive impact—apply today to become a Volunteer Ombudsman!