What is the primary role of an ombudsman in a facility?

• A. A legal advocate who visits facilities, listens to residents, and investigates complaints
• B. A nurse who writes care plans
• C. A family member who visits infrequently
• D. A dietary supervisor

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that an ombudsman acts as a resident advocate who protects rights and helps resolve concerns. Their primary role is to visit facilities, listen to residents, and investigate complaints to ensure issues are addressed and residents receive appropriate care. This distinguishes them from staff roles like nurses who write care plans or other visitors or employees who handle meals or family visits, because the ombudsman operates independently to safeguard residents’ rights and mediate problems.