Peoria County is funding the creation of a new long-term care ombudsman position.
"By design, this employee will be working exclusively with residents of long-term care facilities in Peoria County, making certain that all residents experience the best quality of life while living in that long-term care facility," Center for Prevention of Abuse CEO Carol Merna said.
A long-term care ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes and other licensed facilities, and works with residents and families to address issues.
The $63,639 grant from the county to the Center for Prevention of Abuse funds the position, as well as advertising on a CityLink bus for the ombudsman services.
Rob Reneau is a Peoria County Board member.
"This position will advocate for patients, their families, and caregivers, getting their questions answered, concerns addressed, and complaints resolved," Reneau said. "The ombudsman will be an advocate for those residents who may not have outside support. Those people who are unable to advocate for themselves."
The Center for Prevention of Abuse also offers LTC ombudsman services for Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton, Marshall, and Stark counties.
