How to Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Volunteer Ombudsman

People who live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities may have little or no contact with the outside world. Many feel they lack control over their lives. A certified volunteer ombudsman who visits regularly can be the highlight of a resident's day and ensure residents get good care.

If you have a passion for helping others, a caring spirit, and a willingness to learn, we need you! Become an ombudsman and help improve the quality of life and care for residents in a facility near you. We provide training, tools, and ongoing support from our local ombudsman program.

Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have available transportation, ability to complete and submit monthly reports, and possess genuine care and concern for older adults. All volunteers must be able to pass a criminal history check and screening for conflicts of interest.

Volunteers are required to participate in a free, 36-hour certification training course. Training includes classroom, self-study and in-facility training. Each volunteer serves a 3-month internship. The managing local ombudsman recommends volunteers for certification, and the State Long-term Care Ombudsman makes the final decision.

Ongoing education is provided. Eighteen (18) hours of continuing education is required annually (1.5 hours per month on average).

Volunteers benefit by making a difference in the lives of residents. They also will improve and develop their interpersonal and problem-solving skills while building trusting relationships.

Volunteer ombudsmen develop skills in communication, listening, relationship building, and problem solving.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteer Interest Form

For those who are interested in volunteering but have questions before applying.

Application Forms

Instructions: Download form, save form first, complete, save again, then send to [email protected]. Once received and reviewed, we will follow-up with you.

Bob Wood Volunteer of the Year (VOTY) Award

On the fourteenth of May, two thousand twenty-five, we introduced a special recognition—the Bob Wood Volunteer of the Year Award—established in memory and honor of an extraordinary individual whose legacy continues to inspire us all.

For 21 years, Robert “Bob” Wood served with outstanding dedication in the Ombudsman program, working across our 12-county Area Agency on Aging (AAA) region as well as Harris County AAA. His service included regular visits to long-term care facilities, advocating tirelessly for residents, and submitting essential reports. He also played a key role in recruiting, training, and retaining new volunteers, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with everyone he met.

Bob was widely respected for his compassion, integrity, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to support both residents and fellow Ombudsmen. Even after his retirement in 2023, and in the final months before his passing in 2024 due to cancer with his wife (Kay) and family by his side, Bob remained supportive of the program. He continued to offer valuable guidance aimed at strengthening the future of the Ombudsman program.

Bob’s absence is deeply felt, but his influence remains ever-present. In honor of his remarkable contributions, we are proud to present the Bob Wood Volunteer of the Year (VOTY) Award—an annual tribute to volunteers who exemplify the same spirit of service, dedication, and compassion that defined Bob’s legacy, and he so graciously modeled.

Recipient of the Bob Wood Volunteer of the Year Award - Deborah "Debbie" Butterworth

On behalf of the Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, it is our great honor to recognize you, Deborah Butterworth, as the recipient of the 2026 Bob Wood Volunteer of the Year Award—an award created to honor the legacy of an extraordinary Ombudsman and to celebrate those who embody the same dedication and compassion.

This award commemorates Bob Wood’s 21 years of service, during which he made a lasting impact through his advocacy and unwavering support of residents and fellow volunteers. It is only fitting that this inaugural recognition be presented to someone whose own service reflects those same values.

You began volunteering in 2013, and over 13 years have left an immeasurable mark on our program. In FY 2025 alone, you’ve contributed 80 hours, logged over 33 visits, 13 information and assist consultations, 12 cases, 5 resident councils, 2 surveys, and completed 76.5 hours of continuing education—all in support of long-term care residents. These impressive numbers don’t even reflect your early years of service or the evolving demands of volunteer work.

More importantly, your heart for advocacy shines through in everything you do. You listen with empathy, advocate fearlessly, and treat each resident with dignity. You show up—whether for events, support, or action—and lead by example.

The Bob Wood Volunteer of the Year Award is more than a milestone—it’s a tribute to the kind of service that lifts others up. Thank you for continuing to be that example.

With sincere appreciation,

Jacqui Johnson, Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator
Janett Gutierrez, Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator
Apollonia Sullivan, Managing Local Ombudsman