Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

South Carolina's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) helps to resolve complaints made by or for residents of long term care facilities. They address issues related to quality of care and quality of life. Some of the issues LTCOP may assist with include:

• Violations of rights
• Improper transfer or discharge of a resident
• Assistance with benefits
• Dignity and respect
• Abuse, neglect or exploitation

If you suspect abuse or neglect in a long term care facility, please call the SCDOA Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9095.

Do you need to report the abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult in the community? Click here to make a report and for more information.

About the Issue

South Carolina has 2,039 long term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living, community residential care facilities, DDSN and DMH facilities) with 43,678 beds. Annually, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program investigates more than 8,000 complaints filed by or on behalf of long term care residents.

What does the Long Term Care Ombudsman do?

• Long Term Care Ombudsmen serve as advocates for the resident and help them or their family members navigate the long term care maze and educate them on resident rights and benefits.
• Long Term Care Ombudsmen assist any resident with concerns about quality of care or quality of life.
• Long Term Care Ombudsmen assist the resident or their representative with the appeals and grievance process.
• Long Term Care Ombudsmen educate the residents, caregivers, stakeholders, and community members about long term care and the issues they may face via telephone, walk-in, emails, or outreach events.

Get Involved

To serve as a Volunteer Ombudsman, contact the Ombudsman's office at 1-800-868-9095.

Reports and Plans

Click here to view reports and plans.

Speaking Engagements

We'll happily send a representative to speak to your group about the Ombudsman program and the services we offer. Contact us at 803-734-9900 to arrange a speaker.