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Data From Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs in Six States

The Implications of Collecting Resident Demographics

^a Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, KY
^b Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, Richmond
^c Department of Health Science, Towson University, MD

Correspondence: Ruth Huber, PhD, Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292. E-mail: ruth.huber{at}louisville.edu.

Laurence G. Branch, PhD

Purpose: This article focuses on why it is important for long-term care ombudsmen to collect resident demographics. Design and Methods: The authors analyzed a cross-sectional, 6-state database to show the importance of ombudsman programs' collecting demographic information about the residents of long-term care facilities whom they serve. To demonstrate the importance of collecting demographic data about residents, the authors examined the relationships between race, gender, and types of complaints lodged, verified, and fully resolved. Results: A higher percentage of complaints lodged on behalf of racial minorities was verified, yet a lower percentage was fully resolved. Implications: Ombudsman databases are a potential resource for identifying residents' characteristics that increase their vulnerability in long-term care settings.

Key Words: Elder abuse • Race • Gender • Nursing homes

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