Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Tennessee Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for Tennesseans residing in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted care living facilities, homes for the aged and adult care homes. Ombudsmen are available to help residents and their families resolve problems and answer questions related to long-term care.

When residents and families cannot resolve their problems through consultation with the facility staff or governmental agencies involved, they may contact their District Ombudsman. District Ombudsmen concerns can include quality of care, financial information, resident rights, admissions, transfer, and discharge. 

2022 Long-Term Care Ombudsman Report

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Choose a topic below for more information.

Ombudsmen take time to listen to the concerns of the resident and work to resolve complaints about services, help people select a provider, and offer information about benefits and rights. Ombudsmen will keep these matters confidential and may only share with resident or resident representative consent to do so. Ombudsmen do not regulate long-term care facility, but do work with providers, residents, their families, and others to resolve problems and concerns.

  • A safe and clean living environment
  • Privacy
  • Information
  • Exercise their civil rights
  • Participate in or refuse treatment
  • Voice grievances without retaliation
  • Manage personal finances
  • Adequate and appropriate medical and nursing care
  • Be free of physical and chemical restraints
  • Take part in community activities
  • Be treated with courtesy and respect
  • Private visits and unrestricted communications
  • Not to be transferred or discharged from the home
  • Be free from physical, verbal, mental, and emotional abuse

As a friend or relative, you may have concerns about a resident's care or the cost of care. Likewise, you may have questions about obtaining services from resources outside the facility. Ombudsman can:

  • Provide information regarding the admission process to long-term care facilities
  • Help clarify nursing home, assisted care living facility, or home for the aged regulations that apply to your situation
  • Make helpful referrals to other agencies
  • Help find solutions to small problems before they get too big
  • Promote healthy and realistic attitudes of residents and families toward nursing homes
  • Respect requests for anonymity
  • Act as a resource for staff training needs

Trained volunteer representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program visit residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and establish a regular presence in the facility. They provide information about resident rights, quality of care, and quality of life to residents and family members. Volunteers also observe conditions, advocate for residents, and handle simple complaints.

Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and are rewarded by knowing that their presence can make a difference in the lives and care of long-term care residents.

For more information about becoming a volunteer ombudsman, email teresa.teeple@tn.gov.

Find nursing homes near you through Care Compare (along with more information and tools)

Tennessee Health Facilities Commission *Please note: This link will take you from the TCAD section of the state site to a Department of Health page.

Tennessee Licensed Health Care Facilities

For additional questions regarding the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, find your District Ombudsman here. You can also contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Teresa Teeple, through the contact information below: contact: 

State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0860
Tel: 615-253-5412
Fax: 615-741-3309
Toll Free: 877-236-0013
TDD: 615-532-3893
Email: teresa.teeple@tn.gov