The Wolf administration and the Department of Aging recognized the State Office of Long-Term Ombudsman and other Aging staff for going above and beyond during the pandemic to help older adult residents of nursing homes connect with loved ones and the outside world.

The Ombudsman office supports and empowers consumers by resolving individual complaints involving long-term care service while working to improve and enhance the long-term living system for residents and their families. The office has a ground force of 273 local ombudsmen in communities across Pennsylvania, advocating and empowering on a case-by-case basis to resolve complaints and issues.

Carolyn Tenaglia, regional ombudsman specialist in Schuylkill County, was recognized for spearheading the development and launch of the Virtual Family Council, a statewide social media resource for family and friends who are unable to see loved ones living in long-term care facilities because of the pandemic.

Launched in May 2020, the VFC helps family members who may be struggling with changes in visitation protocol, rights and policies. The program offers weekly online meetings with a local ombudsman facilitating, along with a team of 10 local experts in attendance. The program has drawn hundreds of participants and has served as a model for other state efforts.

Tenaglia began her 20-year ombudsman career as a local ombudsman for Schuylkill County and became a Regional Ombudsman in 2005.

The Wolf administration and the Department of Aging also recognized Bernadette Jones, local ombudsman for Monroe County.

“Our department is very proud to highlight the efforts of our Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman who went above and beyond to support families of long-term care residents. Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, ombudsmen have worked with nursing homes to develop connections in accordance with a family’s needs and a facility’s procedures and capabilities,” said Aging Secretary Robert Torres.

To get VFC connection information, email LTC-Ombudsman@pa.gov and in the subject line, indicate Virtual Family Council.