Local residents among a thinning group of advocates at nursing homes in N.J.
BY BRIAN DONAHUE, Staff Writer
For Phil Zipser, it's the friendships that have kept him visiting nursing homes for the past 13 years.
The Monroe resident spends several hours every week at a long-term facility in Englishtown, trying to reach as many residents as he can in whatever way he can. He brings them comfort and companionship.
Perhaps more importantly, he brings them empowerment.
As a volunteer advocate, Zipser acts on behalf of the state Public Advocate Department's Elder Ombudsman, whose office investigates allegations of abuse or neglect in the state's 1,155 assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other adult long-term care facilities. The volunteers work to ensure the safety, security and well-being of vulnerable, elderly residents.
Visiting elder residents regularly, the volunteers keep an eye on quality-of-care issues, resolve problems and provide companionship for elderly residents. They refer any complaints of abuse, neglect or exploitation to the ombudsman office for investigation.
Joann Cancel, who coordinates the volunteer advocate program, said the roles are important because they serve a population that is vulnerable and isolated from the community.
She encouraged people to sign up for the program and help support the institutionalized elderly. The volunteers must complete a 32-hour training program to become a certified ombudsman advocate. They then serve at an assigned facility at least four hours a week.
Residents of Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Hunterdon and Somerset counties can contact regional volunteer coordinator Beth Mane at 732-439-9331, or email bethmane@aol.com.
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