The New Jersey Long Term Care Ombudsman

The New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly is the official title for the state's long term care ombudsman.

If you (or someone you know) lives in a long-term care facility and has a problem or concern, you should contact the Ombudsman’s Office. They answer questions, and investigate, resolve and/or refer complaints to the appropriate agency. Callers can stay anonymous and the case record is closed to the public.

In many other states, there are regional ombudsmen who serve a designated area, such as a county or group of counties. In New Jersey its different: there is one Ombudsman’s Office for the whole state. There are still regional contacts, however, through a network of volunteers under the state office .

When a complaint comes into the Ombudsman’s Office it is usually assigned to a investigator who may make an unannounced visit to the facility and conduct a review of the facts, obtain records and interview residents and staff.

You can contact the office by phone at their toll free Hotline: 1-877-582-6995. You can get more helpful information by visiting the website at New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly