Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

05/28/2026

Know Your Rights: Don't Get Caught Off Guard by Surprise SNF Bills

Did you know that Medicare requires a 3-day qualifying hospital stay before it will cover care in a skilled nursing facility? Here's the catch: time spent on "observation status" (billed as outpatient) doesn't count toward those 3 days—even if you're in the hospital for multiple days.

Many people ask hospital staff about their status and are given incorrect information about whether they qualify for Medicare SNF coverage. Some nursing homes don't properly notify residents when they lack the qualifying stay, leading to unexpected bills for thousands of dollars.

You have consumer rights! Connecticut's Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) protects you from deceptive practices. If a facility tells you "not to worry about the cost" and then bills you later, you may have legal recourse.

Read this important article from the Center for Medicare Advocacy to learn more about your rights:

Medicare coverage is confusing - even if beneficiaries inquire about their status, they may be provided with false information.

05/14/2026

** Educational Opportunity for Elder Abuse Awareness **

This May and June, in recognition of Elder Justice Awareness Month, Administration for Community Living and the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) will host a 10-part webinar series on protecting older adults by strengthening awareness, prevention, and response to fraud, abuse, and exploitation. This series offers practical tools and insights for professionals, advocates, and community members. Expert-led sessions will cover a range of topics, including:
• Government imposter scams and fraud prevention
• Investment scam warning signs
• Social Security online safety
• Elder abuse prevention and intervention strategies
• Empowering frontline staff and community response

All events will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. ET. The first in the series are:

• May 19, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET: Top Scams Affecting Older Adults, hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• May 21, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET: Combatting Imposter Scams: How to Spot, Avoid, and Report Imposter Scams, hosted by the Department of Justice and FTC

See below for how to join. Registration is not required for these two webinars. Additional details, including the full session schedule and event information, will be available on the EJCC website at least two days prior to each webinar.

05/12/2026

Proud to partner with the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut and AARP Connecticut for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

By working together, we can strengthen awareness, prevention, and response efforts to better protect older adults and others who may be at heightened risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Don't Miss the AARP World Elder Abuse Event on 6/15/26!

04/21/2026

Volunteer Appreciation Week 2026

This week, the Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program proudly celebrates our incredible Volunteer Resident Advocates (VRAs)! Our volunteers are the heart of our work; building relationships with residents, listening to their concerns, and helping ensure that every resident’s voice is heard. Your dedication makes a real difference in the lives of individuals living in long-term care facilities across Connecticut.

Because of you residents feel heard and supported, concerns are brought forward and addressed, quality of life is strengthened in facilities statewide.

We are deeply grateful for your time, compassion, and commitment to advocacy. Thank you for everything you do!

Learn more about the role of a Volunteer Resident Advocate in our video:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1bEhWcgbEu/

Interested in becoming a Volunteer Resident Advocate? Learn more and apply here: https://portal.ct.gov/ltcop-volunteer

1 comment. "What is a Volunteer Resident Advocate? Understanding Their Role in Long-Term Care"

04/16/2026

Today, April 16, is National Healthcare Decisions Day.

The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program encourages everyone to take a moment to think about their future health care wishes and who would speak for them if they could not speak for themselves.

Choosing a health care proxy is an important step in making sure your wishes are known and respected. A good health care proxy is someone who understands your values, is willing to speak on your behalf, and will honor your choices.

Starting the conversation is often the hardest part. The Conversation Project offers a free resource to help people begin talking with loved ones about their health care wishes and future decision making.

Use The Conversation Project’s conversation starter tool here:
https://bit.ly/39xSmYM

The attached image includes 5 tips for having a conversation about your health care wishes:
Be patient, listen to each other, remember you do not have to say everything at once, know that nothing you say is permanent, and keep talking over time as needs and preferences change.

04/13/2026

Last Thursday was a great day at the Senior Day at the Capitol, where the Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program joined colleagues across the Department of Aging and Disability Services and partner agencies to connect, share resources, and highlight the importance of advocacy.

Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to engage with attendees, provide information about resident rights and ombudsman services, and connect with individuals and families from across the state. Events like this continue to strengthen our collective efforts and ensure that the voices of those receiving long-term services and supports remain at the center of the work.

We were also honored to participate in the day’s press conference, offering remarks to thank our partners and reinforce the importance of collaboration in supporting individuals across all care settings.

It was an energizing day filled with meaningful conversations, shared purpose, and a strong reminder of the impact of working together.

Image description:
Two Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program representatives stand behind an outreach table inside the State Capitol. The table is covered with a blue LTCOP tablecloth and displays brochures, folders, and informational materials. The individuals are smiling and wearing blue LTCOP-branded clothing. The background shows the interior of the Capitol building, including architectural details and informational displays.

03/06/2026

Deep gratitude to Irma and Amy for their longstanding advocacy on behalf of residents and essential caregivers. Their work helped shape this conversation in Connecticut, and it is meaningful to see them continue advancing these protections nationally. Their leadership reflects an important truth: dignity, connection, and resident rights must remain central in long term care, especially during times of crisis.

02/19/2026

Resident Councils are one of the most important ways residents in nursing homes and long term care facilities can share their voices and influence the care and services they receive. These resident led groups provide a safe, private space to discuss concerns, share ideas, and work together to improve daily life within the facility.

Resident Councils are protected by federal law and give residents the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their lives. When residents come together, concerns are more likely to be heard and addressed.

The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program works alongside residents and facilities to support strong, effective Resident Councils.
Learn more at ct.gov/LTCOP.

For an Audio Described Version of the Video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtZnrtwLTeQ

01/26/2026

Resident Councils are one of the most important ways residents in nursing homes and long term care facilities can share their voices and influence the care and services they receive. These resident led groups provide a safe, private space to discuss concerns, share ideas, and work together to improve daily life within the facility.

Resident Councils are protected by federal law and give residents the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their lives. When residents come together, concerns are more likely to be heard and addressed.

The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program works alongside residents and facilities to support strong, effective Resident Councils.

Learn more at ct.gov/LTCOP.

01/22/2026

Advocating for a loved one in a nursing home or managed residential community can feel overwhelming, but families do not have to do it alone. Family Councils bring families together to share concerns, build connections, and work collectively to improve care and quality of life for residents.

Family Councils are independent, resident focused groups protected by federal law. When families speak with a united voice, meaningful and lasting change can happen. These councils also help strengthen communication between families and facility leadership by offering constructive feedback and ideas for improvement.

The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program supports families who are interested in starting or joining a Family Council by providing guidance, resources, and ongoing support.

Learn more at ct.gov/LTCOP.