Appalachian Council of Governments | Long Term Care Ombudsman

Who We Are

Ombudsmen are advocates who protect the rights of vulnerable adults living in long term care facilities. We investigate complaints and mediate to solve problems on behalf of the residents.

The Ombudsman Service

The Ombudsman Program is a service available to anyone in the community. Residents, family, friends, facility staff, or any other person concerned about the welfare of residents in long term care facilities can file a complaint with our office.

The Appalachian Council of Governments’ Long Term Care Ombudsman Program covers six upstate counties in South Carolina: Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg.

What We Do for Residents

Receive and investigate complaints on behalf of residents
Educate Residents, family, staff, and the community on topics affecting long term care residents
Provide information and referrals regarding long term care programs and services
Advocate for residents’ rights as well as improvements to state and federal laws and regulations affecting long term care
Mediate with the facility and family on behalf of, or with the resident
Empower residents to advocate for their rights and resolve their complaints

How does the Ombudsman handle a complaint?

First and foremost you should always bring your concern to the facility staff and give them a chance to fix the problem. Most facilities are willing to work with you to find a solution that everyone is happy with.

If that isn’t the case, call us! The Ombudsman program will take anonymous complaints and often times may just need to provide you with a consultation in order to help you solve the problem.

If it is an issue that needs to be investigated, the ombudsman will try to determine exactly what the problem is and if it is a problem throughout the facility. The ombudsman will then investigate the complaint to determine if it is valid. If valid, the ombudsman works with you and the facility to resolve the complaint. If not valid, the ombudsman will explain their findings to you.

After the investigation is through the ombudsman will then follow up to ensure that any agreement reached to solve the problem is actually carried out.

How can I file a complaint?

To file a complaint, please call (864) 242-9733 and ask to speak with our Intake Coordinator or email your complaint to ombudintake@scacog.org

Who can call the Ombudsman?

Residents of long-term care facilities
Friends and relatives of residents
Facility staff members
Community members and others concerned about the welfare of residents in long-term care facilities

What about confidentiality?

In all cases, your complaints are handled confidentially. The ombudsman does not disclose your identity without your permission, unless ordered to do so by a court. Even if the ombudsman cannot resolve your complaint without revealing your identity, you make the choice whether or not the ombudsman proceeds.

Individuals willing to volunteer to help in the LTC Ombudsman program might consider becoming part of our Volunteer Ombudsman Program.

Join us in our Ombudsman Holiday Project

Each year the Ombudsman Program selects senior facilities to provide gifts for residents with no family to visit them during the holidays. If you would like to learn more about it or contribute to the effort follow the link above for more information.

Funding legislation

The South Carolina State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is authorized by the federal Older Americans Act and its State companion, the Omnibus Adult Protection Act.

Read more about this legislation here:

More Long Term Care Information

Access more information on Long Term Care, such as

Long-Term Planning
End of Life Planning
Choosing a nursing home or assisted living facility

LTC Ombudsman Brochure

Click here for Long Term Care Ombudsman Brochure (PDF)

What is the Resident's Bill of Rights?

The rights of nursing home residents are codified in both federal and state statutes with the intent of further protecting each resident's civil, religious, and human rights while they reside in a nursing facility.
Resident's Bill of Rights (PDF)

Guide to Adult Protection

Adult Protection Coordinating Council

Definitions and Indicators of Abuse

Definition and Indicators of Neglect

Definition and Indicators of Exploitation

Where to Find Help