The City of Chicago operates an office called the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which is housed within the City’s Department of Family and Support Services. Advocates within the office represent residents of 158 nursing homes in Chicago, and investigate a range of issues from severe abuse and neglect to broken elevators, Medicaid enrollment problems, and family access.
Last summer, Chicago only had five advocates, but thanks to a recent spending boost, the City will be doubling the number of elder protective investigators. Elder care advocates have praised the move and said that having a fully staffed program is adds a lifeline that residents can depend on.
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