Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County (OSSMC)

Wellness and Fitness ServicesCalifornia, United States11-50 Employees

More than 9,000 people live in San Mateo County’s long-term care facilities. Elderly and disabled, they are often targets for abuse, neglect, fraud and exploitation. Many have no family or friends to stand up for them.

Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County advocates for the protection and rights of those who live in long-term care. Our dedicated, compassionate staff and volunteers ensure that the medical and social needs of long-term care residents get met.

Here is an example of what we do:

During a visit to a residential care facility, one of our ombudsmen found a resident sitting in the living room with flies buzzing around his legs. The ombudsman saw that his legs were severely swollen and had open sores. The ombudsman contacted the resident’s family, who persuaded him to go to the hospital. Doctors found that the resident’s wounds were infected with maggots and that he had septicemia, a life-threatening condition. Ombudsman Services worked closely with the resident’s family, facility staff, social worker, and county mental health services to ensure the client gets the care he needs to avoid another near-tragedy.

Despite successes like this one, we have much more work to do:

* 1 out of every 10 seniors is abused or neglected
* 50% of seniors with dementia are abused or neglected
* For every reported case of abuse or neglect, dozens go unreported

You can help us continue to provide lifesaving services to those in need. Please give today and to stay connected with us visit our website at www.ossmc.org and be sure to sign up for our newsletter.

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