Your local aging office should have an ombudsman program. This word is Swedish for "citizen representative" and is designed to help resolve complaints involving long-term care services on behalf of the care-dependent elderly.
Ombudsmen must follow up on all complaints received but must have consent from you before proceeding with an investigation. They are also responsible to let appropriate agencies know about alleged abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. In your case, you are concerned about confidentially. Ombudsmen must ensure confidentially and cannot release personal identities or information about a complaint without your consent or a court order.
Also, check out the "State Long-term Care Ombudsmen" link on the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center Web site ( www.ltcombudsman.org).
