Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1984

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Social Work

Major Professor

Robert B. Rowen

Committee Members

Nellie Tate, Virginia Gates

Abstract

This descriptive study of two district long term care ombudsman programs in West Tennessee surveyed role choices made by the ombudsmen during case resolution in the calendar year 1982. A secondary goal of the study was to determine if in fact most complaints processed were categorized as "not against the facility," rather than reflecting activity in an advocacy role within the category of complaints "against the facility."

The case records and the documentation summaries completed at case closure by the two district ombudsman programs selected for study were used to extract demographic information, the type of complaint treated, and the role assumed by the ombudsmen. A total of 80 cases were surveyed with the greatest percentage (80%) coming from the more urban counties in the two districts. While the over-whelming number of complaints were made on behalf of those persons 60 years of age or older (almost 89%), 11% were under age 60. About 64% were females while 34% were males. Eleven percent were black. About 84% fell in the low-income category while 16% were middle to upper-level.

It was found that the majority of complaints were against the facility. Most of these complaints were about building safety and about food in Unlicensed Residential Homes for the aged. The primary role choice made was that of broker in those situations involving building safety. This involved, most often, making referrals to the state licensure agency. The most frequent secondary role choice was the investigator role and it occurred most often during treatment of complaints about food.

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