May 2025

What’s New?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Vital Resident-Directed Advocacy

In April of this year, a budget passback from the Office of Management & Budget (OMB) to the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) proposed to cut $40 billion from the DHHS 2026 budget. Each year, government agencies submit their proposed budget to the president for inclusion in the president’s proposed fiscal year budget. OMB reviews the proposed budget and then “passes it back” to the agency with additions, changes, or deletions. The agency can appeal the pass back. Ultimately, however, it is the president’s budget, and what is included is up to the president. Importantly, a proposed budget lays out a president’s priorities, but it is Congress that passes budgets. Congress is in no way bound by the president’s proposed budget.

The passback makes draconian cuts to many DHHS programs, including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program (LTCOP), a vital program that, among many services, provides advocates for residents of long-term care facilities. The dissolution of the LTCOP would place all residents in settings served by Ombudsman program representatives at risk.

May 2025: The “skinny,” version of the president’s FY2026 discretionary budget, a high-level overview of the Administration’s priorities, was released. There are no explicit references to cuts to LTCOP in the skinny budget. However, the full budget has yet to be released.  The skinny budget does not include funding levels for several agencies within DHHS, such as the Administration for Community Living (currently targeted for dismantling by the Administration), and the Administration for Children and Families (the agency where it is reported that the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and other Elder Justice Programs are being moved).  When the full FY2026 budget proposal is released, we will know whether the proposed cuts to the LTCO, which were in budget passback, are included.

Support the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program:

Take action by contacting your members of Congress.

Share your story about how the LTCOP has impacted you.

See our fact sheet and new infographic (plus printable version).

The Hunger Games: Many nursing homes feed residents on less than $10 a day

For decades, researchers have documented the widespread prevalence of food-related issues in nursing homes. The rates of malnutrition and dehydration range from 30% to 85% of residents, according to a review of medical studies by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

“We just want to be treated with dignity, with respect and want to enjoy what little time we have left,” said Glenn Osborne, a Marine Corps veteran with ALS. “And that means the quality of the food”

In a first-of-its-kind analysis, reporters reviewed thousands of federal cost reports filed with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, or CMS. Aided by academics at Rutgers University and data experts, the investigation found:

• Nationwide more than a quarter of all nursing home operators spent under $10 a day to feed their residents — less than what it costs to buy a Quarter Pounder with cheese, fries and a Coke at many McDonald’s.
• From 2021 through 2024, the number of nursing homes written up for food-related shortcomings nearly tripled, federal data shows.
• The number of dietary complaints to ombudsman offices around the country increased from 5,620 in 2020 to 8,485 in 2023, a jump of more than 50%.
• Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses tied to nursing home kitchens are on the rise, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Residents in numerous interviews repeatedly complained about being unable to find something appetizing on the menu, even when their meals did meet all standards for quantity and nutritional value.

“If you want to look at nursing home food,” said Charlene Harrington, a professor emeritus at University of California San Francisco who studies skilled nursing facilities, “you need to look at where the money is going.”

To read the full article click here.

Food complaints are common in Kentucky.

Food/dietary complaints were the third highest complaint category received by the LTC Ombudsman Program during Federal Fiscal Year 2024 making up 9.7% of the complaints the program worked to address.  When people hear this statistic they often say something dismissive like

Well, its hard to please everyone with food.

But residents in Kentucky are not making frivolous complaints about food. Residents in Kentucky most often ask for food that is:

• served at proper temperatures
• nutritional
• visually appealing
• tender
• fresh
• varied (don’t serve me a bologna sandwich for lunch and dinner)
• in quantities that maintain their nutritional needs

Share How the Ombudsman Program Has Helped You

Help us gather stories of how the long-term care Ombudsman program has assisted you or your family. By sharing your story with The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, you help inform our advocacy. Please click here to share your story!

Weather Events in Kentucky, 2025: A Year of Extremes

The April KY Office of Inspector General Division of Health Care Long Term Care Provider Newsletter featured some important information regarding facility requirements.

Facilities have requirements when it comes to emergency preparedness and they are reviewed when the facility has a recertification survey. The requirements ensure that facilities have a plan in place to provide food, water, and pharmaceutical supplies along with items like temperature control, alternate energy, and emergency lighting. The LTC facility must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least annually, including unannounced staff drills using the emergency procedures. The LTC facility must do all of the following:

(i) Participate in a full-scale exercise that is community-based or, when a community-based exercise is not accessible, an individual, facility-based. If the LTC facility experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the LTC facility is exempt from engaging in a community-based or individual, facility-based full-scale exercise for 1 year following the onset of the actual event.

(ii) Conduct an additional exercise that may include, but is not limited to the following:

(A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or individual, facility-based.

(B) A tabletop exercise that includes a group discussion led by a facilitator, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan.

(iii) Analyze the LTC facility’s response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the LTC facility’s emergency plan, as needed. The drills ensure the facilities are well prepared for emergency situations and have their staffed properly trained to deal with such a disaster.

As the year progresses, Kentuckians continue to adapt to the challenges posed by severe weather, demonstrating strength and unity in the face of adversity. The events of 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and community support in navigating the unpredictable forces of nature.

To access the OIG newsletter or sign up to receive it visit their website.

In Kentucky’s LTCOP, our staff and volunteers make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Check out some awesome advocates below!

Our Deepest Sympathy

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Gene Layne. Gene was a certified long-term care ombudsman with the Bluegrass program for 18 years. He served the long-term care residents of Clark County.

Gene came to work at the LTC Ombudsman Program with a strong desire to help others after personally utilizing the services of an ombudsman. Gene made 4,209 visits to his assigned facilities and worked to resolve 1,443 complaints during his years of service in the program.

Gene made such an impact that some residents wrote him thank you cards. One resident wrote “Thank you for all your visits to me. You have been so nice and helpful. My family and I appreciate your help. I am doing better now. You have been in my prayers to help others like you have helped me.”

To read Gene’s obituary click here.

We are so sorry to share the loss of Vic Brizendine of the KIPDA program. Vic joined the LTC Ombudsman Program and became a certified ombudsman in 2024. After retiring from his longtime law practice in Shelbyville Vic still wanted to serve the people of Shelbyville. He visited residents several times each month.

Last fall Vic provided a training session for the ombudsman program on wills, Powers of Attorney, and basics of advanced planning. His expertise helped hundreds of residents.

To read Victor William Brizendine’s obituary click here.

The Cumberland Valley LTC Ombudsman Program held a training event for volunteers and staff. Pictured above from left to right are Leigh Powell, Karen Caudill, Ashley Lee, Rachel Maggard, Angela Harris, Wendy Mc Wright, Sarah Smith, Rebekah Price, and Sherry Culp. The Cumberland Valley LTC Ombudsman Program serves Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, and Whitley counties. To report concerns or make inquiries about long-term care or volunteer opportunities contact the Cumberland Valley District LTC Ombudsman Sarah Smith by email or call 1-800-795-7654 Toll Free.

The Buffalo Trace LTC Ombudsman Program held a training event for volunteers and staff. Pictured above from left to right are Jennifer Boone, Leah Clark, Carley Moore, Brooklyn Jolly, Adam Gulley, Amanda Grooms, Ashley Robinson, Caroline Ullery, Brandon Wood and Courtney Manley. The Buffalo Trace LTC Ombudsman Program serves Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, and Robertson counties. To report concerns or make inquiries about long-term care or volunteer opportunities contact the Buffalo Trace District LTC Ombudsman Amanda Grooms by email or call 1-800-998-4347 Toll Free.

Gateway District LTC Ombudsman Position

Check out the job posting for the Gateway District LTC Ombudsman. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass seeks a Long-Term Care Ombudsman for its Morehead, KY based office.

Learning Opportunities

Word Elder Abuse Awareness Day

If you would like to learn more about elder abuse awareness activities in your local area please contact your local District LTC Ombudsman Program. To organize your own WEAAD event check out these resources.

The Empowering Mindfulness Conference is June 26th. Registration is now open. Click here.

Celebrating Older Americans Month: Flip the Script

Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month (OAM) is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” focuses on the importance of combating ageism to transform how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging by challenging stereotypes and highlighting the benefits of healthy aging.

What can individuals do to combat ageism?

• Celebrate the contributions of people of all ages in the workplace and community.
• Avoid ageist statements when talking about growing older.
• Promote fact-based messages about older adults’ abilities and value to communities.

The words we use shape our perceptions. This Older Americans Month, we’re sharing ways to rethink how we talk about aging. Instead of “She still drives,” simply say, “She drives.” Phrases like “still” often reinforce ageist assumptions. Small shifts like this can make a big impact.

Ever heard someone blame forgetfulness on a “senior moment?” It reinforces the stereotype that aging means cognitive decline. Let’s recognize that minor memory lapses happen to people of all ages. Small language changes help us flip the script on aging.

Learning doesn’t stop with age—it evolves. In fact, adults over 60 are among the fastest-growing group of online learners. Let’s celebrate the pursuit of knowledge at every stage of life.

Unpaid caregivers save the U.S. an est. $600B annually. During Older Americans Month, we honor the 53 million family caregivers who provide an average of 24+ hours of care each week and help millions of Americans live as independently as possible.

Familiar Touch

In Variety’s review of a new film Familiar Touch the reviewer says the film is “Built around a performance of immense care and delicacy by Kathleen Chalfant, Sarah Friedland’s debut feature is a precise, funny and deeply moving portrait of a woman adjusting to assisted living.” You can read the full review.  The film is to be released this summer. Check out the trailer below.

Study Finds Nursing Home Provider Bankruptcies Harm Residents

A new study was published in the National Bureau of Economic Research on Healthcare Provider Bankruptcies.  The study found that bankruptcies increase healthcare staff turnover, worsen care, and harm patients. Researchers found that bankruptcies harm residents through increases in hospitalizations, physical restraints, and bedsores. It also found that bankruptcy filings in nursing homes increase voluntary departures by staff and that replacement workers harm residents.

What’s an Ombudsman?

Ombudsmen advocate for residents of long-term care facilities at no charge to residents or families.

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen

• Regularly make unannounced visits to long-term care facilities to visit residents.
• Protect the special legal rights of residents.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve residents’ problems and concerns.
• Empower residents to make informed choices.
• Work to monitor laws/policies to protect residents.

Long-term care ombudsmen serve residents in all counties in Kentucky. Visit our website!

The Kentucky State LTC Ombudsman Program is housed within the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass.

The KLTCOP is funded in part by state and federal funding provided by the Department for Aging and Independent Living.

Our Contact Information
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass
3138 Custer Drive
Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40517
8592779215
http://www.ombuddy.org

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