More than 200,000 seniors live in Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Many will enter a long-term care facility. All may be vulnerable to abuse, neglect and isolation.
The Ombudsman Services’ for Contra Costa and Solano Counties (“OSCC”) mission is to protect and advocate for older and dependent adults by persevering their rights and improving their quality of life throughout the aging process.
OSCC provides advocacy services and educational resources to empower long-term care residents and their families. OSCC has a dedicated staff and network of trained volunteers available to prevent abuse, ensure safety and restore quality of life to the aging community.
The OSCC is the only organization mandated by law to make unannounced visits to long term care facilities to ensure that residents are free from abuse and are receiving the best care. OSCC has been helping the Contra Costa and Solano county communities for over forty (40) years and all services are free of charge.
Some of the tasks performed by trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers include:
- Making regular visits to nursing homes;
- Investigating resident complaints including allegations of abuse and inadequate care;
- Providing information about advanced health care directives and assist in the execution of official documents;
- Filing informational calls from families in distress
I am both privileged and honored to assist these advocacy efforts, having been recently appointed to the Board of Directors of OSCC.
Please visit the websites below for further information, and please consider supporting the underlying organizations with your time, treasure, and talent. Please feel free to contact me at (925) 831-4840 if you have any questions about OSCC.
Ivette M. Santaella is an estate planning and elder lawyer serving the Tri-Valley area including San Ramon, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton and the bay area.
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services
Phone: (925) 609-7900
https://www.ccsls.org/
Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa
Phone: (925) 685-2070
https://www.ccsombudsman.org/
Resident Empowerment Program
Phone: (925) 685-2070
https://www.ccsls.org/programs/resident-empowerment-program/