Ombudsmen are devoted to protecting the quality of life and care for those living in long-term care facilities. Turco specializes in working with individuals living with dementia, motivating them through music programs and meaningful activities, as well as providing support for families. Michael Gill, a certified fraud examiner (CFE) and holder of the Texas Assisted Living Association's courses, is a regional expert in senior housing options with extensive knowledge of benefits for veterans, home health care, non-medical home care, geriatric care management, long-term care insurance, real estate specialists, moving for the elderly, and other services for older adults. The AAACAP Long Term Care Ombudsman Program offers friendly assistance and support to those living in nursing or assisted living facilities.
It also explores various payment options and financial assistance programs available to help care for older people, whether in residential facilities or at home. Services can range from assistance with applying for Medicare to locating accessible housing resources in the resident's community. The plan outlines the story of older adults in the region through demographic data and community surveys; it also sets goals and strategies to help people live as independently as possible. Using the no-the-wrong door approach, the resource center helps consumers access a variety of services and benefit programs by being a single point of contact. AAACAP benefit counselors are here to help Medicare beneficiaries navigate the federal program's open enrollment process. To ensure that older people can continue to live in their homes, in adult foster homes or in assisted living communities, there are several special programs and services available.
For more information about services funded through the North Central Texas Area Agency for Older Persons, call 1-800-272-3921 or check out the following publications. Help protect the rights, health, and well-being of older adults living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities; become a volunteer ombudsman.