Washington Long-Term Care Ombuds

08/16/2026

Consumer Voice's Malnutrition and Dehydration fact sheet details causes of malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes, signs to look for in consumers, and steps you can take to prevent or stop this from happening.

Read the fact sheet:https://theconsumervoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/malnutrition-and-dehydration-factsheet-final.pdf

08/16/2026

In a national survey of 450+ residents, many reported food that was cold, unappealing, or didn’t meet their medical or cultural needs. Consumer Voice’s issue brief, More Than a Meal, breaks down what residents are experiencing and what needs to change.

Read the issue brief and share to raise awareness:https://theconsumervoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Food-Pull-Out.pdf

08/16/2026

08/07/2026

Most of us are used to having the ability to grab a quick snack whenever we want it. That doesn't end when you enter a nursing home. Facilities must present snack options if a resident would like them. To bolster your right to snacks or alternative meals, make sure it's in your care plan!

08/07/2026

AHHH! On a hot day, cold juicy oranges sound wonderful!

Today, tomorrow, and this week are great times to check in on your loved ones who live in long-term care facilities.

Heat waves can cause dehydration, infections, cognitive changes, skin issues, and just plain misery for vulnerable adults dependent on others for help. Many individual resident rooms are NOT airconditioned. Cool towels, ice water, more ice, fans, portable ACs, juicy/watery fruits, shades drawn during the day, and windows open during the cooler evening can be helpful. Check to see if they are dressed comfortably. Individuals with cognitive challenges may need visual cues, physical help and other sensory reminders to hydrate.

Many facilities are short-staffed more than usual because of workforce shortages overall, and could use your help!

08/07/2026

Win-
Win.

As housing costs continue to strain student budgets, could intergenerational living become Gen Z’s latest path to independence?

08/07/2026

Health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation are more common among the aging population of rural America. In North Dakota, the program Aging in Community aims to build connections among neighbors to help isolated rural seniors.

08/03/2026

No injuries reported. We know that long term care residents in the evacuation zone have been relocated and are safe per the state licensing entity, DSHS, and long term care provider associations. Our hearts go out to all in Spokane and Stevens counties.

Light winds and lower temperatures are in the forecast to help firefighters with wildfires in eastern Washington state that have forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area.

07/30/2026

The certification process in Initiative 1163 for home care aides has been rife with bottlenecks, according to a new state audit.

07/26/2026

Today is the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the most important civil rights laws for disabled people. Celebrate the anniversary of the ADA by reading up on your rights with our Easy Read and plain language toolkit: https://autisticadvocacy.org/policy/toolkits/ada/