Volunteer Ombudsmen Make a Difference
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is a resource for older adults and people with disabilities who live in long-term facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other licensed adult care homes.
Volunteer Ombudsmen provide an essential service to some of our most vulnerable people. They bring lifetimes of expertise from various careers, transforming these skills into education, empowerment, and advocacy. They serve as vital mediators between facility residents and their care teams to identify complaints and concerns, monitor care, investigate complaints, help correct problems, and more.
To thank our brilliant volunteers for their years of dedicated service, we are sharing this Volunteer Spotlight series. We hope you listen to their stories, are moved by their experiences, and consider becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman today.
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2025 Ombudsmen of the Year Learn about our Ombudsmen of the Year
Over the last two years, Thomas Sadowski has served as a dedicated volunteer for New York’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Sadowski encourages greater participation in the resident council, growing its attendance from just three to, now, 50 residents. His service extends beyond long term care. Sadowski volunteers as a court appointed special advocate (CASA), supporting children in foster care. He also volunteers with the Center for Elder Law and Justice (CELJ) Financial Management Program and the Little Portion Friary Homeless Shelter. Sadowski’s dedication to making a positive impact on the community is evident through his work and volunteerism.
Judy Foster is a long-time resident of Oneida County. Her career was working with children as a school psychologist. In 2013, Foster added becoming an ombudsman to her volunteering repertoire, now totaling 52 years. Foster covers nine skilled nursing residences (cottages) and an assisted living facility, for a total of 220 residents. She knows each person by name and reaches out to every new resident. Her commitment to the residents is visible through the smiles and the rapport they share. It is truly heartwarming. Foster’s passion for the program is apparent by her long history of educating residents and others about residents’ rights and the ombudsman mission.
Celebrating regional program volunteers during an April 2024 luncheon in New Hartford.
Celebrating regional program volunteers during an April 2024 luncheon in New Hartford.
Celebrating regional program volunteers during an April 2024 luncheon in New Hartford.
Celebrating regional program volunteers during an April 2024 luncheon in Dewitt.
Celebrating regional program volunteers during an April 2024 luncheon in Dewitt.
LTCOP participates in a 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon for Region 5 volunteers at the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park.
LTCOP participates in a 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon for Region 5 volunteers at the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park.
LTCOP participates in a 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon for Region 5 volunteers at the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park.
Video Spotlight
Meet Volunteer Ombudsman Joanne
Meet Other LTCOP Volunteers
LTCOP Interviews Several Individuals Donating Their Time to Help Others
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) has been meeting with some of the many volunteers who donate their time to helping residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long term care facilities. Catch our latest volunteer spotlight videos at the links below.
Meet Volunteer Ombudsman Barbara
Become an Ombudsman
Residents of nursing homes and other facilities need help from people like you!