An ombudsman, according to the dictionary, is a person who investigates complaints and report findings especially in institutions, or a deputy who looks after the interests of a special group. The volunteer advocate program fulfills this definition. Its mission is to preserve, protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the elderly in long-term care facilities. Volunteers in the program complete 32 hours of medical, legal and ethical training and must pass a final exam before qualifying.
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The program provides information to residents and their families about their rights as established by Federal and State Law. If any Jewish Home resident or family member wishes to contact the New Jersey State Ombudsman Office, they will find the number posted on the bulletin boards in all the residential areas.
Florence Poris is the Jewish Home at Rockleigh’s ombudsman, and has been with the Home since the facility opened its doors in the fall of 2001. Visiting the Home approximately twice a week, she attends all Resident Council meetings, and often accompanies residents on trips. When a complaint is voiced by a resident or family, Florence speaks directly with the Department Head involved relevant to the issue. She feels that she gets immediate satisfaction, often finding that the problem has been tended to and resolved before she calls to check the progress. A nice relationship with the State Inspector has also been developed, and Florence is here during annual inspections and attends the exit interview.
During weekly visits, Florence can be seen in the dining room, residents’ rooms, and in all the residence halls. She looks forward to meeting the residents and listening to them. Sometimes residents reverse the process and check up on Florence and her family members - in many cases, a good friend is visiting. In addition to her volunteer work as an ombudsman, Florence monitors the library and presents library readings with Margi Hirshberg. Another volunteer task is running the brain buster quiz program with Marcia Bressler.
Florence says that she “is fortunate to work in the Jewish Home. The staff has been extremely cooperative and is always available to speak to her. She is proud to be a small part of such a wonderful facility.”
The program still needs more volunteers. For more information, please call the Ombudsman Office at 609-943-4022.