HomeMy WebLinkAboutLongterm Ombudsman HSG 2024-25 ApplicationHuman Services Grant Application
2024-25 Application Questions
Part 1 Basic Information
1. Organization Name *
Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County
2. Fiscal Agent (if different than above)*
NA
3. Project/Program Name *
Ombudsman Services
4. Requested Amount *
$5,000.00
5. Name of Person Completing Application *
Karen Jones
6. Name of Person for Grant Communication and Contract for Grant Cycle (if different from above)*
Karen Jones
7. Organization Mailing Address *
3232 S. Higuera Street, Suite 101B, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
8. Phone *
805-785-0132
9. Email *
karenjones@ombudsmanslo.org
Part 2 Organizational Information
1. Purpose/Mission Statement *
Our mission is to promote the highest possible quality of life and care for all residents of long term care facilities.
Core Elements:
• Receive, investigate and resolve complaints
• Ensure a regular presence at care facilities
• Address patterns of poor practice
• Maximize community awareness and involvement
• Influence public policy
2. Briefly describe your organization’s purpose, vision, primary activities, and operating structures *
The Ombudsman program was created in 1978 to act as an advocate for persons residing in skilled nursing facilities. At the time, there
were few regulations ensuring that residents receive quality care. Shortly after the Ombudsman program started, regulations were
strengthened to help ensure residents would receive quality care. Over the years, Ombudsman have received additional mandates to
provide services to residents of assisted living/residential care facilities and also to receive and refer allegations of abuse in a variety of
facilities that serve adults with disabilities.
In San Luis Obispo County, Long Term Care Ombudsman services are provided by our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Long Term Care
Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County. There is no duplication of our services. We have provided the program since 1978. The
program is supported by the Federal Administration on Aging and the CA Department of Aging. We have a State Long Term Care
Ombudsman who is appointed by the CA Governor. The State Ombudsman is housed at the CA Department of Aging. The State
Ombudsman designates a local Ombudsman program in each county. We are the agency designated for San Luis Obispo County.
Our contract to provide Ombudsman services is administered by the Area Agency on Aging working with the CA Department of Aging.
3. Name of Executive Director *
Karen Jones
4. Name of Board President or Chair *
Fred Munroe
5. Number of paid staff (full or part-time)*
5
6. Number of volunteers *
5
7. Describe the community(ies) your organization supports *
We provide services to residents of long term are facilities, including skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly.
We also provide information and assistance services to persons who are seeking information on care facility placement or community
services. All services are provided throughout San Luis Obispo County. Our office is located in the City of San Luis Obispo.
8. Approximate Annual Budget *
$416,963.00
9. Major Sources of Funding *
Our funds are provided by:
Older Americans Act (Federal)
CA General Funds (State)
Nursing Home Fines
Nursing Home Fees
County of San Luis Obispo
City of San Luis Obispo
The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County
Donations
Fundraising
In-Kind Match/Hours (In-Kind donation)
Part 3 Project/Program Information
14. In the table below include a minimum of four (4) metrics or performance outcomes that
relate to the implementation/success of the project. Examples include: # of SLO City
residents served, # of referrals provided to individuals seeking social services.
Methods of Evaluation Indicators of Success / Measurable Outcomes
The number of complaints investigated and resolved to the
satisfaction of the resident.
We will resolve 85% of complaints received to the satisfaction of
the resident.
The number of facilities visited monthly.95% of skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities for
the elderly in the City of San Luis Obispo will be visited at least
once per month.
The number of certified Ombudsman receiving at least 18 hours
of continuing education in the fiscal year.
100% of Ombudsman will receive continuing education.
The number of residential care facilities for the elderly who retain
current residents or accept new residents who have a diagnosis
of mental illness.
30% of residential facility staff in the City of San Luis Obispo will
receive support through the EMBRACE program.
1. Please provide an executive summary of proposed project/program *
We will provide residents of the City of San Luis Obispo with Long Term Care Ombudsman services. Our services include resident advocacy,
facility monitoring visits, complaint investigations and resolution, information and assistance, and systemic advocacy.
All services will be provided to persons who live in long term care facilities (skilled nursing or residential care facilities for the elderly) or who
are seeking information about care facilities.
As part of our services, we are partnering with the County Health Department and Wilshire Community Services to provide EMBRACE. This
is a program to support care facilities that accept new residents or retain current residents who have a diagnosis of mental illness. This
population is particularly at risk of homelessness and are most frequently refused admission to long term care facilities.
2. Total Project Cost?*
$416,963.00
3. Requested Project Amount *
$5,000.00
4. Please provide a detailed description of proposed project/program *
We will provide San Luis Obispo City care facility residents with Long Term Care Ombudsman Services.
Our services include resident centered advocacy, facility monitoring visits, complaint investigations and resolutions, information and
assistance/referrals, and homelessness prevention. Services will be provided by five paid staff (3 full-time and 2 part-time) and five
volunteers.
Resident Centered Advocacy: Ombudsman work with facility residents to advocate for their rights, promote individualized care needs,
mediate between facility staff and residents, provide education to residents and their loved ones regarding long term care facility
regulations and represent residents in meetings with facility managers.
Facility Monitoring Visits: Ombudsman will visit care facilities throughout the city. Services will be provided at 24 residential care facilities
for the elderly and 3 skilled nursing facilities.
Facility monitoring visits are specialized Ombudsman services that take a significant amount of skill and experience. The Federal
Administration on Community Living, Administration on Aging defines Ombudsman Facility Monitoring Visits as:
“Ensuring that residents have regular and timely access to the services provided through the Ombudsman program and that residents and
complainants receive timely responses from representatives of the Office to requests for information and complaints…”
During monitoring visits, the Ombudsman use a variety of skills. This includes observation and recall, effective listening tools, mediation,
investigation techniques, and creative problem solving. Ombudsman spend their visits: 1) talking with residents, visitors, and facility staff; 2)
investigating and resolving complaints on behalf of residents; 3) checking for health and safety issues; 4) advocating for improvements in
the care and treatment of residents; and 5) educating residents so that they can be their own advocates. Ombudsman also assist residents
who wish to create an advanced health care directive.
Complaint Investigations and Resolutions: Ombudsman investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of long term
care facilities. Complaints can be related to abuse, rights, contracts, care, staffing, maintenance and issues with family or outside agencies.
Information and Assistance/Referrals: Ombudsman provide residents and community members with information and assistance or
referrals related to care facilities and community services for older adults and adults with disabilities.
Homelessness Prevention: Ombudsman provide residents/clients with homelessness prevention through appeal assistance. In 2018,
CenCal Health began denying nursing facility coverage for some facility residents. The residents who were denied coverage had no assets,
low income and nowhere to live in the community. The denials would have caused the residents to become homeless with significant
health issues. We were able to work with several legal services providers to coordinate an appeal response. CenCal denials have decreased
significantly since 2018, however there are a number of residents affected by denials each year.
In 2024, we are partnering with County Behavioral Health and Wilshire Community Services for the EMBRACE program. This is a service to
provide care facility staff with support in order to ensure staff give appropriate care to residents diagnosed with a mental illness. These
clients are at particular risk of eviction and homelessness due to poorly understood behaviors. Care facility operators are often reluctant to
accept new residents with a diagnosis of mental illness because of the fear of challenging behaviors. Our goals with EMBRACE are 1) to
increase the number of new residents with a diagnosis of mental illness, and 2) reduce the number of current facility residents at risk of
eviction and homelessness due to mental health behaviors.
All Ombudsman services are voluntary for clients, confidential, and there is never a fee or charge to the client.
5. Describe the community/population the project/program will support.*
Our clients are residents of skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly throughout San Luis Obispo County. We
also provide services to persons who are looking for information regarding long term care facilities or who are the representative of a
person living in a care facility.
There are 7 skilled nursing facilities in San Luis Obispo County and three facilities in the City of San Luis Obispo.
There are 100 residential care facilities in San Luis Obispo County and 24 facilities in the City of San Luis Obispo.
6. The HRC has identified homeless prevention including affordable and alternative housing, supportive services, and
transitional housing as the main funding priority. Does your grant request meet this funding priority?*
Yes
No
7. Which other priority of the non-ranked HRC funding priorities does your request support? Please check the appropriate
boxes:*
Hunger and malnutrition prevention
Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
Services for seniors and/or people with disabilities in need
Supportive and developmental services for children and youth in need
Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities
8. Provide timeline for project *
With the exception of EMBRACE, all services are currently being provided and will be available to clients from July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025.
EMBRACE is being finalized as of March 2024, and will be available to facility staff and residents by July 1, 2024.
9. Identify any partnerships/collaborations that are supporting this project/program and their roles *
We partner formally and informally with many organizations. This includes:
Adult Protective Services: We assist APS clients when their clients move into a care facility. We also provide consultation to APS staff when
they have a client who needs facility placement.
County Health Agency/EOC : We are the primary contact between care facilities and County Health Agency/Emergency Operations during a
time-sensitive emergency.
District Attorney/Victim Witness: We provide Ombudsman services for clients of DA/VW when the client resides in a care facility.
Superior Court Investigators: We provide Ombudsman services when care facility residents are involved in conservatorship court cases.
County Mental Health Services: We provide information and help resolve placement or care problems for County Mental Health clients who
require long term care.
Dept. of Social Services/Medi-Cal (DSS): We work with DSS staff where there are incidents of abuse for long term care Medi-Cal clients.
Fire/Police (First Responders): We work closely with First Responders when there are incidents of abuse/neglect in care facilities.
Tri-Counties Regional Center: We provide abuse reporting training to facilities that provide services to Regional Center clients.
Homeless Services Providers: We provide assistance to homeless services staff when a homeless services clients requires placement in a
care facility or when a care facility attempts to place a client with homeless services.
SLO Legal Assistance Foundation: We work closely with SLOLAF to ensure that care facility residents have free legal representation when
needed, including representation at Fair Hearings for Medi-Cal benefits.
Wilshire Community Services: We are partnering with Wilshire staff to provide EMBRACE services to residential care facilities.
County Behavioral Health Department: We are partnering with Behavioral Health staff to provide EMBRACE services to residential care
facilities.
10. Describe your plan for sustainability beyond the City’s one-year award funding *
We have provided Ombudsman services in San Luis Obispo County since 1978. To sustain our program beyond the one-year award, we will
utilize our other sources of funding and volunteers. The City's funding will help to ensure that our services will meet the needs of our
clients.
11. Describe the plan for promoting this project, program, or service within the City of San Luis Obispo *
All care facilities are required to post a state-issued poster advertising Ombudsman services and how to contact our offices. Our staff
provide facility residents and their families with information about the program during facility visits and complaint investigations. Our staff
visit facilities regularly and meet with clients to ensure they are aware of our services. We also have a website and advertise in local media
sources.
12. Est. Number of people served through this project/program *
3,000
13. Est. Number of SLO City Residents served through this project/program *
800
Attachments
Copy of Organization’s most recent complete fiscal year financial statement (for the previous year because it is the
middle of the current fiscal year) including a statement of financial position/balance sheet, statement of revenue &
expenses/income statement, profit & loss.
Financial Statement *
LTCO Finanical Statements 22 23.pdf 62.46KB
1-page Organization Chart *
Organizational Chart 2006.pub 25.5KB
Document Certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status *
LTCO IRS Determination Letter.pdf 1.1MB
1-page detailed budget for the program including how the total requested amount of grant would be spent.
Budget *
LTCO Project Budget for 24 25.pdf 65.5KB
1-page DEI statement that includes:
Applicants’ understanding and application of DEI
Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging in our community apart from grant
Explain how this project will advance DEI in the City of SLO
DEI Statement *
LTCO DEI Statement.docx 17.39KB
Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County
Federal Government ~ Administration on Aging (AoA)
State Government ~ California Department of Aging
Office of the State Long Term Care
Ombudsman (OSLTCO)
Responsible for certifying the
Ombudsman program, and
acting as Statewide Coordinator for
Ombudsman services.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Funding source for federal and
state AOA/CDA Ombudsman
Service contracts
LTCO San Luis Obispo County
Board of Directors (BOD)
Responsible for the non-profit
organization
Program Manager and Office Staff
Responsible for carrying out Ombudsman services in SLO
County, recruitment/training of volunteer Ombudsman, day-to-
day management of the program and non-profit organization
Volunteer (Field) Ombudsman
Responsible for carrying out Ombudsman services in
SLO County
Care Facility Residents (Our Clients)
Jun 30, 23
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Charles Schwab 812,670.98
Checking Pacific Premier 49,267.91
Total Checking/Savings 861,938.89
Other Current Assets
Grant Payable-AAA -502.00
Grants Receivable 17,684.00
Petty Cash 200.00
Prepaid Expenses -9,420.60
Refundable Deposit 1,650.00
Total Other Current Assets 9,611.40
Total Current Assets 871,550.29
Fixed Assets
Accumulated Depreciation -20,107.96
Office Equipment 25,724.93
RU Asset 138,950.30
Tenant Improvement 6,393.00
Total Fixed Assets 150,960.27
Other Assets
Federally Financed Equipment 952.00
Total Other Assets 952.00
TOTAL ASSETS 1,023,462.56
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities
Accrued Salaries 16,938.71
EE -693.53
ST Lease Liability 111,496.90
Total Other Current Liabilities 127,742.08
Total Current Liabilities 127,742.08
Long Term Liabilities
LT Lease Liability 29,262.40
Total Long Term Liabilities 29,262.40
Total Liabilities 157,004.48
Equity
Reserve for Fed Fin Equip -9,169.66
Retained Earnings 916,081.70
Net Income -40,453.96
Total Equity 866,458.08
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 1,023,462.56
1:51 PM LTC Ombudsman
03/01/24 Balance Sheet
Accrual Basis As of June 30, 2023
Page 1
Jul '22 - Jun 23
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
AAA Grant 255,672.00
Donations 1,131.37
Grants
City of SLO 3,000.00
County of SLO 25,000.00
Grants - Other 1,483.00
Total Grants 29,483.00
In-Kind Match 10,790.81
Total Income 297,077.18
Expense
Accounting 13,479.24
Advertising 3,163.87
Dues & Subscriptions 2,732.28
Equipment R & M 1,887.19
Expendable Equipment 1,621.48
Insurance 7,512.11
Intern Expense 100.00
NALLTCO Reim 0.00
Office Expense 7,031.76
Personnel
Benefits 20,556.08
In-Kind Personnel 10,790.81
Payroll Taxes 18,856.53
Salaries 249,032.55
Total Personnel 299,235.97
Program Supplies 1,595.17
Rent 35,898.20
Taxes 125.00
Telephone 9,268.89
Travel & Training
Staff Training 958.63
Staff Travel 18,407.35
Total Travel & Training 19,365.98
Uncategorized Expenses 0.00
Utilities 206.00
Volunteer Expense 1,370.96
Total Expense 404,594.10
Net Ordinary Income -107,516.92
Other Income/Expense
Other Income
Gain/Loss on Investments 42,153.08
Investment Income 32,237.33
Total Other Income 74,390.41
Other Expense
Depreciation Expense 2,327.45
Investment Fees 5,000.00
Total Other Expense 7,327.45
Net Other Income 67,062.96
Net Income -40,453.96
1:52 PM LTC Ombudsman
03/01/24 Profit & Loss
Accrual Basis July 2022 through June 2023
Page 1
Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County (LTCO)
City of San Luis Obispo Proposed Budget
July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
City of SLO
Grants in Aid LTCO Total
Income/Grants
AAA Grants 236,213.00$ 236,213.00$
County of SLO -$ 27,175.00$ 27,175.00$
City of SLO 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$
SLO Community Fndtn 7,000.00$ 7,000.00$
Donations 500.00$ 500.00$
Investment Transfers 133,963.00$ 133,963.00$
In-Kind Match* 7,112.00$ 7,112.00$
Total Income 5,000.00$ 411,963.00$ 416,963.00$
Expenses
Salaries 5,000.00$ 259,867.00$ 264,867.00$
Payroll Taxes 22,854.00$ 22,854.00$
Benefits 23,400.00$ 23,400.00$
In-Kind Personnel 7,112.00$ 7,112.00$
Staff Travel 15,850.00$ 15,850.00$
Staff Training 500.00$ 500.00$
Accounting 11,000.00$ 11,000.00$
Advertising 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$
Dues/Subscriptions 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$
Equipment 5,940.00$ 5,940.00$
Insurance 8,000.00$ 8,000.00$
Office Expense 6,000.00$ 6,000.00$
Rent 34,940.00$ 34,940.00$
Taxes 300.00$ 300.00$
Telephone 7,500.00$ 7,500.00$
Utilities 200.00$ 200.00$
Volunteer Exp. 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$
Outside Services -$ -$
Legal/Other 500.00$ 500.00$
Total Expenses 5,000.00$ 411,963.00$ 416,963.00$
*In-Kind Match is the hours donated by the Ombudsman volunteers.
February 2024
Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County
Non-Discrimination & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies
Non-Discrimination Policy
Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County (LTCO) is
committed to providing equal employment opportunity and non-discriminatory
service provision.
LTCO complies with state and federal laws regarding non-discrimination.
Additionally, LTCO does not discriminate against recipients of services in
programs because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual
orientation, marital status, or physical and/or mental disability.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies
LTCO values diversity, promotes equity and belonging, actively denounces
systemic racism and agism, and believes that both in value and practice LTCO
services can be a place where all clients and program staff, regardless of race,
ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, religion, or ability are represented, respected,
valued, and heard.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advancement (DEI)
Our project will advance DEI by promoting the opportunity for all clients and
program staff to celebrate their age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality,
religion and abilities and feel safe, represented, respected, valued and heard. We
will support our clients to advance DEI in long term care facilities. When
appropriate, we will empower our clients to become effective self-advocates in
receiving the highest possible quality of life and care in long term care facilities.