Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, Long Term Care

Ombudsman Services Executive Director Named Woman of the Year by Congressman Garamendi

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. -- Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda is pleased to announce that Executive Director Nicole Howell has been selected as a 2020 Woman of the Year by Congressman John Garamendi.

In an effort to recognize outstanding women serving in California's Third Congressional District, the Congressman annually invites individuals and organizations to submit nominations of those who have shown a commitment to improving quality of life through leadership and public service.

"This is a tremendous honor," Nicole said during the awards ceremony.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole and the Ombudsman team took to the front lines to distribute personal protective equipment to over 15,000 residents in long-term care. She also participated in efforts for residents' rights by collaborating with local media and testifying on behalf of a movement of residents and their families at the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing "Examining the COVID-19 Nursing Home Crisis" on June 25. During the height of COVID-19, OSCCSA completed nearly 300 facility consultations and close to 200 individual consultations, providing vital information and resources throughout Alameda County.

"I want to accept this award on behalf of all those people who are fighting the fight for seniors right now, particularly those in long-term care," Nicole said. "Thank you so much. This is beyond what I could have dreamed."

As the Executive Director for Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda (OSCCSA), Nicole is responsible for ensuring that the nearly 29,000 long-term care residents and their families have access to the highest level of care and respect and, above all, can live free of abuse and neglect.

Since becoming Executive Director, Nicole has grown OSCCSA's budget by nearly 600%, lowered the use of anti-psychotics in Contra Costa County by 10%, and increased facility coverage by unearthing the problems and issues that are being overlooked. She has helped spearhead many new programs in Ombudsman Services and beyond, including the Elder Justice Program Solano, Telephone Reassurance, and Friendly Visiting in Solano County, as well as Healthcare Career Pathways and Residents' Rights in Contra Costa.

About Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda:

Ombudsman Services 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 quality care. We have been aiding the community for more than 40 years, and all services are free of charge. We serve Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties with our team of highly trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers.

For more information, visit https://www.ccsombudsman.org/.

MEDIA-ONLY CONTACT:
Susie Hays
Susie@Q2Mark.com
760-458-9201

Related link: https://www.ccsombudsman.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Hospitals and Nursing

Healthcare Career Pathways Collaborative Program Honors Third Cohort Graduates

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. -- Healthcare Career Pathways, a collaborative educational program created by Mt. Diablo Adult Education; Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda; and Opportunity Junction, is proud to announce the graduation of its third cohort of Certified Nursing Assistants, who are set to take the front lines as critical care staff for older adults in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and hospitals.

This program funded by the John Muir Community Health Fund is an innovative partnership designed to provide opportunities for students with addressable barriers to enter the medical field. The training program expands beyond the basic curriculum and includes supportive services such as transportation, food, and more.

"Our collaborative has developed creative solutions to keep our students on track toward their goal of completing training and serving seniors," says Opportunity Junction's Vice President of Programs, Brianna Robinson. "During this time, we have transitioned to a distance learning model, all while providing students with extensive ongoing support to help them on their way to full-time employment. We look forward to celebrating them during our socially distanced graduation on July 24."

As a program developed to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers, Healthcare Career Pathways has proven itself by attracting national attention in the Root Cause Coalition's "Status of Health Equity Report," and is a necessary model for answering the need for healthcare workers trained in person-centered care principles.

The graduation is set to take place outside at Mt. Diablo Adult Education on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 6 p.m.

About Healthcare Career Pathways:

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program offers motivated job seekers the opportunity to enter the healthcare field, earn a higher wage, and access pathways to greater economic success. The program, in partnership with Mt. Diablo Adult Education; Opportunity Junction; and Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda, includes 12 weeks of CNA training, life skills training, hands-on clinical experience, and job placement assistance. For more, visit: https://opportunityjunction.org/need-a-job/cna-training.

About Mt. Diablo Adult Education:

Mt. Diablo Adult Education provides lifelong learning opportunities for adults of all ages and abilities to achieve their education, employment, community, and personal goals. We also value and are committed to partnerships and collaborations that better serve the diverse Mt. Diablo Unified School District community. For more information, visit: https://mdae.mdusd.org.

About Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda:

Ombudsman Services 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 quality care. We have been aiding the community for more than 40 years, and all services are free of charge. We serve Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties with our team of highly trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers. For more information, visit http://www.ccombudsman.org/.

About Opportunity Junction:

We believe that everyone who is willing to work hard deserves an opportunity to succeed. Unfortunately, too many of our neighbors face barriers to employment, such as a lack of skills or confidence that they cannot overcome on their own. They need training and support to break the cycle of low-wage jobs and public assistance. Opportunity Junction helps low-income Contra Costa residents get and keep good jobs by providing training, support, experience, and employer introductions. When we work together, motivated job seekers get what they need to launch a career. For more information, visit: https://opportunityjunction.org.

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Susie Hays
760-458-9201
Susie@Q2Mark.com

Related link: https://www.ccsombudsman.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Long Term Care, Product Launches

Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Announces Launch of Friendly Visiting and Telephone Reassurance Program Initiative

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. -- Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda today announces the launch of the Friendly Visiting and Telephone Reassurance Program in Solano County funded by the Napa Solano Area Agency on Aging. This new initiative is designed to provide and maintain individual connection with homebound seniors and prevent isolation, a precursor to abuse.

According to the "Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging Four-Year Area Plan on Aging FY 2019-2020 Area Plan Update," 2017 data suggests that there are just under 96,000 people over 60 in Solano County. Among those 65 and over, 50.4% are White, 12.4% African American, 18.9% Asian, and 11.3% Hispanic and Latino. In Solano County, 6.9% of those over 65 have incomes below the federal poverty line, requiring critical support services in order to maintain health and independence.

"We are thrilled to be launching this program," said Executive Director Nicole Howell. "There is a sizable population of economically vulnerable seniors in Solano struggling to make ends meet. This type of vulnerability poses real threats to overall health and well-being."

While Friendly Visiting and Telephone Reassurance is typically a community-based program, Ombudsman Services will also be partnering with facilities. Their team of staff and volunteers will execute regularly scheduled phone calls and visits to seniors in their place of residence to build relationships and assess safety risks and any unmet senior needs.

"In addition to having a friend," Howell continues, "we will be able to help connect our seniors to things like nutrition assistance or meeting with a nurse to go over medication reconciliation and fall risk assessments. Our goal is to manage connection, provide wraparound services, and keep people safe and doing well in the home or wherever they may be."

Ombudsman Services is projected to connect with over 1,900 individuals via telephone and nearly 900 in home visits.

About Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda:

Ombudsman Services 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 quality care. We have been aiding the community for more than 40 years, and all services are free of charge. We serve Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties with our team of highly trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers. For more information, visit http://www.ccombudsman.org/.

Related link: https://www.ccsombudsman.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Hospitals and Nursing, Long Term Care

Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda, Together with Collaborative Partners, Distributes Free PPE to Facilities in Alameda County

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. -- Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda today announces the upcoming free drive-through PPE distribution to Alameda County facilities on Friday, June 26, 2020.

"We have a dedicated team supporting long-term care residents in the Alameda community," says Nicole Howell, Executive Director of Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda. "We are so happy to come together with other organizations and community partners to help the hardworking frontline staff care for our seniors."

This will be the third distribution of gloves, sanitizer, and face masks in the East Bay Area for Ombudsman Services, helping to protect a portion of the 29,000 long-term care residents that it serves.

To reserve supplies, employees of Licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs)and Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) in Alameda County should visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfM5HSLgJRfqNsJse-RPsaNeraWpTrDEbZ6udUZG9Ar7ZIUjQ/viewform by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Facilities will receive an emailed confirmation alerting them to a pickup time and location for Friday morning.

Because this is a contactless pickup, those attending should write the name of their facility on an 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper and place it on their dashboard.

Friday's distribution in Alameda County will be held in partnership with Creating New Hope, East Bay Community Energy, EBPPE.Org, as well as with the City of Dublin and the California National Guard.

About Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda:
Ombudsman Services 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 quality care. We have been aiding the community for more than 40 years, and all services are free of charge. We serve Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties with our team of highly trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers.

For more information, visit https://www.ccsombudsman.org/.

About Creating New Hope:
We specialize in identifying quality assisted living communities. We are specific and comprehensive in our approach. Our senior living advocates prescreen each community, checking licensing and regulatory history directly from the California Department of Social Services database. By providing families with relevant information, they can choose an appropriate assisted living community that will meet their loved one's needs.

We are advocates who share unbiased insights and recommendations. We understand how difficult this process is, and our intention is to be a guiding light during this transition.

Learn More: https://creatingnewhope.org

About East Bay Community Energy:
East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) is the local electricity supplier in Alameda County. EBCE provides cleaner, greener energy at competitive rates to our customers. EBCE reinvests earnings back into the community to create local green energy jobs, local programs, and clean power projects.

Learn More: https://ebce.org

About EBPPE.Org:
We are the members of Music4Heart, a volunteer organization that performs music for seniors and children with special needs, and now we have turned our attention to COVID-19. We are planning to have a virtual concert at the end of this month. At the same time, we would like to organize a fundraising campaign to help donate masks and other PPE to hospitals and communities.

Learn More: https://www.ebppe.org

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Susie Hays
760-458-9201
susie@q2mark.com

Related link: https://www.ccsombudsman.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Long Term Care, Product Launches

Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Launches the Elder Justice Lunch and Learn Series

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. -- Since the coronavirus pandemic began, it has changed the world, our community, and the elder care industry as we know it. Given the immense impact on seniors and older disabled adults, it is more important than ever to support our elder community care systems that protect the quality of life and advance the aging journey in this new era of care. Taking the lead in addressing these issues is Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda with the launch of their 12-month Elder Justice Lunch and Learn Series.

"This is the fifth year that we are hosting our annual elder justice event, but it's not our traditional in-person forum," says Nicole Howell, executive director of Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda. "We rapidly pivoted and transitioned to a yearlong monthly webinar series that brings our industry together with leaders at the forefront of addressing the evolution of elder abuse and COVID-19."

According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), it is "estimated that 5 million older adults are abused, neglected, or exploited" every year. In addition, these aging adults lose more than $2.6 billion due to elder financial abuse, which is critical to their lifestyle and basic needs. The ACL also reports that only one in five elder abuse crimes are discovered.

"Our world is like a snow globe, right? We've gotten super shaken up, and now a critical issue is even more magnified," Howell continues. "Elder abuse doesn't discriminate. It happens to anyone and everyone. With seniors in isolation, we're doing everything in our power to ensure their overall safety, health, and wellness, but it's not enough. We need big systemic changes, and that's our goal with bringing everyone together for this event."

This program is set to launch on Thursday, June 18, 2020, with the first webinar taking place from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. This series of monthly webinars will continue to take place on the third Thursday of every month until May 20, 2021.

The first event on June 18 features elder abuse investigation and prosecution expert Paul Greenwood with a keynote on the "Collaboration and the Future of Elder Justice." As a newly retired district attorney who headed up the Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit at the San Diego DA's Office for over twenty years, Paul is known worldwide for his consultancy on elder abuse cases as well as law enforcement and agency training.

Other topics in this series include:
* Preventing Eviction in the Age of COVID-19
* National Trends in Adult Protective Services Amid COVID-19
* Professional Strategies - Taking Care of Ourselves So We Can Take Care of Others
* Actionable Engagement Tactics to Prevent Isolation + Advances in Technology
* Rights Afforded to Victims and Their Families
* The Art and Science of Working with "Non-Verbal" Clients
* Expanding Reach and Impact with Community-Based Organizations, First Responders, Local Government, and More
* Scam Prevention and Recovery

Registration for this first session is available through Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-collaboration-and-the-future-of-elder-justice-tickets-106010594542

More information on future sessions can be found on the event webpage - https://www.ccsombudsman.org/elder-justice/elder-justice-lunch-and-learn/

The Elder Justice Lunch and Learn program is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and planning partners that include California Department of Social Services; California Department of Aging; California Commission on Aging; California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association; California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators; and California Department of Aging State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

About Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda:

Ombudsman Services 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 quality care. We have been aiding the community for more than 40 years, and all services are free of charge. We serve Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties with our team of highly trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers.

For more information, visit https://www.ccsombudsman.org/.

About Kaiser Permanente:

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care and is recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.

Learn More: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org

About California Department of Social Services:
The Department provides aid, services, and protection to needy children and adults. By managing and funding its programs, the objectives of the Department are carried out through the 4,200 employees located in 51 offices throughout the state, the 58 county welfare departments, offices, and a host of community-based organizations.

Learn More: https://www.cdss.ca.gov

About California Department of Aging:
The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state regarding transportation, housing and accessibility, emergency preparedness and response, wellness and nutrition, falls and injury prevention, improving services to persons with dementia, reducing fraud and abuse, and many other issues.

Learn More: https://www.aging.ca.gov

About California Commission on Aging:
The Commission serves as "the principal advocate in the state on behalf of older individuals, including, but not limited to, advisory participation in the consideration of all legislation and regulations made by state and federal departments and agencies relating to programs and services that affect older individuals."

Learn More: https://ccoa.ca.gov

About California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association:
California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association (CLTCOA) is the leading voice for local Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman programs. The association's education, public information and systemic advocacy is leading the way for California's LTC Ombudsman programs to protect the aging and dependent adults in their communities. CLTCOA and its local partners are shaping the future of aging in California by ensuring that the over 304,000 residents in long-term care have access to excellence in advocacy through their local LTC Ombudsman program.

Learn More: https://www.cltcoa.org

About CAPAPGPC:
The California Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators is a nonprofit association acting as the legal guardian or conservator of older and dependent adult Californians who are no longer able to act in their own best interest, resist undue influence, or are gravely disabled as a result of a psychiatric or cognitive disorder.

Learn More: http://capapgpc.org

About California Department of Aging State Long-Term Care Ombudsman:
The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state. These services are provided locally by the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), Medi-Cal Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) centers, or other contracted agencies.

Learn More: https://www.aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Long-Term_Care_Ombudsman/

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0604s2p-elder-justice-event-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://www.ccsombudsman.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Hospitals and Nursing, Long Term Care

Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Issues Statement on COVID-19 Outbreak at Orinda Convalescent Facility

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. -- At least 49 people test positive for the novel coronavirus at Orinda nursing home. "We are saddened to find out about the situation at the Orinda Care Center, where it has been reported 27 residents and 22 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19," says Nicole Howell, executive director of Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda.

"These seniors are our community's most vulnerable and valuable members, and they deserve access to the highest level of care and protection we can provide. Ombudsman Services is privileged to serve these residents, and we are on standby to offer support and resources to them during this challenging time."

Nicole adds, "It is almost surreal that we are all faced with a situation that just a month ago, we could not have fathomed. We are hopeful as we see our country and communities rise to the challenge, seeking to protect our most vulnerable, but there is so much more to be done. This local outbreak underscores the urgent need for us to double up on our commitments to practice all safety guidelines for this virus while working to maintain high engagement and connection with our seniors. We call on all members of our community to connect with the old adults in their lives via phone call, Zoom, social media, email, and other forms of digital communication."

"Unfortunately, our most vulnerable seniors are those in long-term care facilities like Orinda Care Center, and they require the most protection. To ensure their safety, it is of utmost importance that facilities and caregivers have access to all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)," Howell goes on to say. "Further, facility staff should only be working at one facility to prevent possible spread to other facilities and should be compensated accordingly."

Nicole emphasizes, "We call upon cities, counties, elected officials, and all citizens to engage in this process and ensure that senior care facilities have the necessary supplies, food, and means to keep their residents safe. We hope you will all join us in taking a stand and ensuring that our seniors are safe."

About Nicole Howell:
As the executive director for Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda, Nicole is responsible for ensuring that the nearly 500,000 seniors in those counties have access to the highest level of care and respect and, above all, are able to live free of abuse and neglect.

Throughout her decadelong career in the nonprofit community, Nicole has helped cultivate change through a belief that there are power and equity in shared leadership. She believes that powerful leadership is met with equal parts enthusiasm, engagement, and connection to the team and those you are working with.

"I've always had a passion for the nonprofit community, but when I became part of Ombudsman Services, something just clicked. I quickly found myself becoming a fierce advocate for seniors and dependent adults and was driven to immerse myself in culture-changing initiatives and person-centered care philosophies. It's a true honor to be able to use my voice for those who don't quite know how to or can't."

An avid speaker on all topics on elder advocacy and elder justice, Nicole is honored to serve and be a part of the Solano Partners Against Violence as a Solano County appointed board member, a member of the Core Project Team for the Alliance to End Abuse, a member of the Steering Committee for the California Elder Justice Coalition, a member of the Council for Age-Friendly Communities - Alameda County, a board member for the Trinity Center - Contra Costa County, a member of the Rotary Club of Walnut Creek Sunrise, and 2020 Walnut Creek Chair for Wine, Women, and Shoes.

About Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda:

Ombudsman Services 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 quality care. We have been aiding the community for more than 40 years and all services are free of charge. We serve Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Counties with our team of highly trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers.

For more information, visit https://www.ccsombudsman.org/

Related link: https://www.ccsombudsman.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.