Retire with Impact

Retirement is one of the most longed for events in the lives of many. It is a time to do all those things they have put off because they were too busy. Like most highly anticipated events in life, it sometimes falls short of expectations. Many retirees find they actually miss their co-workers, even the ones that drove them crazy! They miss the routine, the comradery, the challenges and a sense of purpose. Some even begin to suffer from depression.

Planning intentionally about how to use your extra time in retirement is important. One way is finding something else to define oneself. Volunteering is helpful in making the transition to retirement and has shown to bring great satisfaction to those who engage in volunteer work, providing health benefits and opportunities to learn.

Choosing to volunteer as a Certified Ombudsman at the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office is a great retirement choice if you want to make a real difference in the lives of others. Volunteer Ombudsmen advocate for residents who live in long-term care facilities or adult foster homes. Most of these residents don’t know their rights, or how to fight for them even if they do. An advocate can be there for them and help them find their voice. Volunteer Ombudsman, Diane Bishop talked about one of her first cases.

“My client was newly diagnosed with diabetes and was given a move out notice because he was non-compliant with his doctor’s dietary orders and his blood sugar levels were erratic. I was able work with the facility and show them that they were only offering high-carbohydrate dishes. Also, since the client was new to diabetes, he needed support and assistance from the staff on how to make good choices. After a trial period of menu changes, closer interaction with the doctor, and more education for the resident, the facility agreed to keep him. This was a win for everyone. The client was able to stay where he was comfortable and settled, and the facility was able to make changes that helped him and all those with dietary issues that came after him.”

“Systemic change is our goal,” says Director, Fred Steele. “We not only want to help the individual resident, but all those who will be in care in the future.” This is important to all of us, considering an estimated 67% of people over the age of 65 will require some sort of long-term care support. Most people start to think about it as they watch their parents age. It gives them a glimpse of their future, and most want better conditions than what they see now. Becoming a Certified Ombudsman provides education and experience with the long-term care systems.

Being an Ombudsman isn’t for everyone. It’s a commitment of about four hours a week (though some choose to do more). The application process takes time due to reference checks and training schedules. The initial 48 hours of training is scheduled regionally, so sometimes volunteers have to wait until a training is in their area. Volunteers are expected to continue for at least a year after completing the training. Qualities of an advocate include:

• Good communication and listening skills
• Ability to work through conflicts
• Determination, tenacity
• Passion for helping people

Volunteers enjoy the benefits of support through a Deputy who works with them, especially on harder cases. They also have their team of other local Certified Ombudsmen, who they meet with monthly. The flexible schedule is an added bonus, and Volunteers choose to work the days and hours that work for them.

Don Burkhalter, Certified Ombudsman, summarized his feelings about advocating. “Having an grandmother and mother use long term care facilities exposed me to other residents who had no one to advocate on their behalf. Being an Ombudsman allows me to be that advocate. Seeing the expression of relief on a resident’s face at the successful conclusion of an intervention confirms my decision to volunteer for the program. We need volunteers and residents deserve volunteers.”

If you would like to learn more about volunteering as a Certified Ombudsman, call 800-522-2602, direct (503) 378-6303, or visit the website at www.oregon.gov/ltco.