Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The stories preserved from those who experienced slavery remind us why every voice matters.

This Juneteenth, we honor their legacy and continue advocating for the dignity, rights, and self-determination of older adults in long-term care.

For : On June 19, 1865, two months after the Confederacy surrendered and more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops finally arrived in Texas, the westernmost Confederate state, and spread the word there that freedom was the law of the land.

About 70 years later, workers from the Federal Writers' Project arm of the Works Progress Administration started traveling around the U.S. collecting the stories of elderly Americans who still had firsthand accounts of being enslaved. Many of the people who were interviewed were also photographed. The Library has preserved these stories and images.

This photo is of Betty Simmons, who said she was more than 100 years old when she was interviewed in 1937 in Beaumont, Texas. She said she was married during slave times, and widowed, but was very happy that freedom came when it did because her enslavers were preparing to put her 3-year-old child to work in the fields.

Explore the narratives: https://www.loc.gov/collections/slave-narratives-from-the-federal-writers-project-1936-to-1938/about-this-collection/?loclr=fbloc

Image: Betty Simmons, Age about 100. Taken between 1936 and 1938. WPA Slave Narrative Project: Container, A932, vol. 16, part 4. Federal Writer's Project, United States Work Projects Administration (USWPA). Manuscript Division, Library of Congress.

An old African American woman in a button down dress stands in front of a chair with her hands clasped, looking at the camera. The chair is outside, positioned in front of a house. A younger woman stands on the porch behind her.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month! Have you heard of scammers pretending to be government officials or calling from your bank? Learn the signs of an imposter scam so you can avoid them and help others. ejcc.acl.gov/imposters

Get the Facts on Elder Abuse Elder abuse is a silent problem that robs older adults of their dignity, security, and--in some cases--costs them their lives. Get the facts and learn how NCOA supports reauthorization and funding of the Elder Justice Act and elder abuse protections in ...

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). For 20 years, WEAAD has increased awareness about elder abuse recognition and prevention.

This June, we're sharing information and resources on how to identify, stop, and prevent elder abuse including:

🟣The WEAAD toolkit with tips, graphics, and social media content https://ncea.usc.edu/weaad/
🟣The “Never EVER" campaign from the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to help people recognize and avoid government and business imposter scams
🟣Elder Abuse resources from the National Center on Elder Abuse
https://ncea.usc.edu/weaad/

https://hntrbrk.com/ensign/

"The investigation revealed Ensign’s $10 billion empire is built on a dubious foundation: Its profits are heavily dependent on understaffing facilities. It performs better than average on self-reported quality metrics but worse on independently verifiable measures. It regularly violates state minimum staffing laws, and routes taxpayer dollars to its executives and to its own affiliates. Meanwhile, Ensign patients suffer and sometimes die."

Ensign: The Nursing Home Empire Built on Fatal Neglect Patients are dying.

The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is hiring an Office Manager (Administrative Assistant III.) The job posting closes on 4/24 - so act fast! The position is based in Austin Texas.

https://careers.hhs.texas.gov/hhscjobs/job/AUSTIN-Office-Manager-TX-73301/1381305800/

On this Yom HaShoah we are sharing the Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) Care for Holocaust Survivors Program from the Administration for Community Living. As ACL writes: On Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pause to honor the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust and to recognize the enduring strength, dignity, and resilience of Holocaust survivors living among us today. This solemn day is both a time of remembrance and a call to action, to ensure survivors receive the care, respect, and support they deserve.

Honoring Holocaust Survivors on Yom HaShoah: Advancing Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care | ACL Administration for Community Living Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

https://www.kob.com/ap-top-news/how-to-avoid-the-ick-factor-when-choosing-a-nursing-home-or-assisted-living-facility/

How to avoid the 'ick' factor when choosing a nursing home or assisted living facility The need to move a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living facility often comes suddenly — after a fall, a medical crisis or the loss of a caregiver. Experts say knowing what to look for can make a critical difference. Federal data and star ratings can help rule out the worst nursing home...

A story of excellent nursing facility leadership.

An ombudsman learned of an Austin-area nursing facility administrator who did not leave his facility during the recent ice storm. The administrator purchased a cot and slept in his office all 3 nights so he could be available if the facility lost power or became short staffed. He helped staff care for and checked in on the residents and offered a safe ride for any staff who were too afraid to drive but needed to get home to family. Residents said they did not notice a single change in their care from one day to the next.

We are so grateful for the leadership and care demonstrated by this administrator! Way to set an example of excellent and compassionate service!

https://careers.hhs.texas.gov/hhscjobs/job/AUSTIN-Regional-Ombudsman-Supervisor-TX-73301/1358465400/

Come work with us! Apply at the link above.