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The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman offers free, confidential advocacy for Iowans living in nursing facilities, assisted living programs, residential care facilities, and elder group homes. We’re here to help residents and families understand their rights and address concerns about long-term care.
We also assist Medicaid managed care members who live in a long-term care facility or receive services through an HCBS waiver, making sure they understand their rights and receive the services they need.
Our team listens, looks into concerns when needed, and works with facilities to ensure every resident is treated with dignity and respect. If you’re unsure where to start or have a question, we’re here to help.
You can reach us through our online form or by contacting us directly.
Toll-Free: 866-236-1430
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: 321 E. 12th St., 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319
Get Help Now— What do you need today?
Volunteer With Us - Change lives including yours
Education and Resources - Learn, connect and get involved
Quick Help - What Do You Need Today?
Report a concern → Share what’s happening and get support.
Find local support → Connect with your regional Ombudsman.
Know your rights → Clear, easy-to-read guides.
Involuntary discharge help → Understand notices and appeal steps.
Facility closure→ What to expect and how we can help.
How we Help - Real Help, from Real People
Local Ombudsman - Your Local Ombudsman is Ready to Help - Find Them Here
A long-term care ombudsman makes sure your voice is heard. We listen to concerns, help solve problems, and protect the rights of people living in long-term care or receiving HCBS waiver services.
Toll-Free 866.236.1430
Email: [email protected]
Long-Term Care Ombudsmen help residents and their families address concerns, understand their options, and protect their rights. If something feels off—or you just need guidance—we’re here to support you.
We listen and help you decide next steps.
We look into concerns and work toward solutions
We advocate for dignity, respect, and quality of life.
You can contact the OSLTCO if you want to:
• Get help with concerns, care issues, or involuntary discharges/closures
• Understand rights, facility policies, rules, or managed care processes
• Learn about care plans, services, transfers, or discharges
• Get guidance on power of attorney, guardians, or conservators
• Learn about Resident or Family Councils
• Get assistance with Medicaid managed care issues
• Find information to help choose a long-term care facility or managed care organization
You can also learn more by viewing our LTC Ombudsman Brochure, Resident Rights Brochure, and our informational Ombudsman Video and Resident Rights Video.
Transfers, Discharges and Facility Closures
Residents have important rights during transfers or discharges. This includes receiving written notice and having the opportunity to appeal. Facilities may only issue a discharge for specific reasons, such as medical needs they cannot meet, safety concerns, nonpayment, certain policy issues, or a facility closure. If you receive a notice—or are concerned about a possible move—contact us. We can explain your rights and help you determine next steps. Learn more about involuntary discharges with the Involuntary Discharge Brochure
If a facility closes, we support residents and families throughout the transition. We assist with planning, understanding rights, selecting a new placement, and coordinating with the facility to help ensure the move is as safe and smooth as possible. For more guidance on what to expect during a closure, view the Facility Closure Brochure and Facility Closure Video.
Volunteer - Change Lives, Including Yours!
Volunteers make a real difference in the lives of long-term care residents. By visiting facilities, listening to residents, and supporting advocacy and community education, volunteers help ensure every resident’s voice is heard. We provide full training and ongoing support, making it easy to get started.
Interested in volunteering? Download the application, or email [email protected] if you have questions or want more information.
Back to topEducation and Resources - Learn, Connect and Get Involved
Town Halls
Town hall meetings are public, recorded, and posted on our website. Because these meetings are open to the public, please keep that in mind when deciding whether to share personal information. If you have concerns about the public nature of these meetings or what may be shared, please reach out to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman—we’re happy to talk with you.
Back to topResident and Family Councils
Resident and Family Councils give long-term care residents, their families, and their supporters a structured and empowering way to share concerns, build community, and work with facility staff to improve quality of life and care. Resident councils are led by residents, while family councils are led by family members and representatives, and both groups meet regularly to discuss issues, plan activities, and bring forward recommendations. Facilities are required to support these councils by providing space, respecting privacy, and responding to concerns. Tenants in assisted living also have specific rights to raise issues and participate in policy discussions. Whether you want to start a council or strengthen an existing one, we’re here to help you make a meaningful impact.
Empower your voice. Use " Family Councils: Making an Impact (4.35 MB) .pdf " to start or join a family council and help strengthen your loved one’s long-term care community.
Back to topHigh Five Topics
Our High Fives are easy-to-read, easy-to-understand topics shared at every support meeting that provide 5 helpful tips for resident and family councils. These strategies can help individuals better self-advocate and feel empowered to speak up about their or their loved one's care
- June 2025: 5 Reasons Resident and Family Councils should exist in every facility (283.07 KB) .pdf
- July 2025: 5 Ways to Solicit a Better Response from Facility or Program Staff (281.23 KB) .pdf
- August 2025: 5 Ways you can Respond when a Facility is Not Responsive to the Council (107.69 KB) .pdf
- September 2025: 5 ways You Can Show Appreciation to Long-Term Care Facility Staff (253.97 KB) .pdf
- November 2025: 5 Tips to Support Systems Advocacy (160.62 KB) .pdf
- January 2026: 5 Things Every Person who Moves into a Facility Should Know (171.96 KB) .pdf
- March 2026: 5 Things to Know About Iowa's Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (234.45 KB) .pdf
- May 2026: 5 Signs a Long-Term Care Facility Values Person-Centered Car (240.24 KB) .pdf
Join Us! Iowa's Virtual Resident and Family Council Support Meeting
The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO) hosts virtual Resident and Family Council Support Meetings to connect residents and families, provide education on long-term care issues, and support efforts to improve quality of life in Iowa’s long-term care facilities.
Meetings are held on Zoom on the last Wednesday of every other month from 2:30–3:30 p.m. CST. Residents of long-term care facilities and their loved ones are welcome. Advance registration is required, and a confirmation email will be sent with meeting details.
Meetings are recorded and posted on our website. Please use discretion when sharing personal information. If you have concerns about recorded content, contact the OSLTCO.
Back to topResources
We offer easy-to-use guides and practical tools to help residents, families, and caregivers understand their rights and navigate the long-term care system. These resources cover a wide range of topics, including resident rights, self-advocacy, Medicaid managed care, involuntary discharges, facility closures, Resident and Family Council leadership, voting rights, and dependent adult abuse. All materials are available on our website or by request.
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