COVEcast: Ombudsman Project promotes dignity, independence

Kaili Kuiper and Michelle Carter

Kaili Kuiper and Michelle Carter, who work for the Vermont Long-Term Care Ombudsman Project, were our guests for this episode of COVEcast.

The Ombudsman Project, a program of Vermont Legal Aid, protects the health, welfare and rights of people who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential care homes. They also help people who have questions or concerns related to the long-term care they receive in their private homes or in the community through Vermont’s Choices for Care program. We spoke about a number of topics related to this important advocacy work, including the issues they help people with, challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical shortage of professionals who care for older Vermonters.

Their services are free, and the program has offices in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and Springfield. To contact them, call 1-800-889-2047, or visit them online here.