Volunteers are needed to advocate for long-term care (LTC) residents in Issaquah, Bellevue and Sammamish communities.

The September 2015 Certification Program trains advocates volunteers to ensure quality of care in LTC facilities.

Volunteers are urgently needed to advocate on behalf of vulnerable adults living in long-term care facilities in Auburn, Maple Valley and Enumclaw communities.

The King County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is looking for volunteers who are vigilant about senior citizen rights and to be advocates for seniors to ensure the dignity, civil rights, and well-being of seniors and disabled adults living in long-term care facilities.

The 32-hour 2015 Washington State Certification is free. An interview and orientation is Sept 10. The training for “Long Term Care Ombuds” is September 16, 17, 30, at the Multi-Service Center at 1200 S 336th St. in Federal Way.

As a Volunteer Ombudsman, those who complete the course will join approximately 400 other volunteers who work across the state of Washington, making regular visits to long-term care facilities to meet with residents and their families, providing information on resident rights, and working to resolve concerns on behalf of residents.

Volunteers must attend the initial 32 hour certification training, and then must devote 4 hours/week to visit residents, attend a volunteer training once a month.

To learn more about this volunteer opportunity or to register for training: Contact Juanita Beale, Staff Ombuds, King County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, at 206-623-0816 or by email juanitab@mschelps.org.