The Sonoma County Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as a free, confidential advocate for facility residents. They investigate complaints, mediate conflicts, and work to resolve individual care issues directly with facility staff. However, an Ombudsman cannot provide legal advice, file lawsuits, or recover financial compensation for a victimized senior. A civil elder abuse attorney steps in to legally hold corporate operators accountable, file lawsuits, and secure monetary restitution for medical bills, pain, and suffering.
