By: Zaffirini S.R. No. 161 1-1 By: Zaffirini S.R. No. 161 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-3 WHEREAS, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Day on February 25, 1997, 1-4 honors those volunteer ombudsmen who advocate for nursing home 1-5 residents, and the Texas Senate is proud to join in recognizing 1-6 these special men and women for their work on behalf of all those 1-7 who live in nursing homes; and 1-8 WHEREAS, More than 700 long-term care volunteer ombudsmen 1-9 serve as a vital link to ensure quality of life and quality of 1-10 care for the 96,000 Texans who reside in the state's 1,160 1-11 licensed nursing homes; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Many of the elderly and disabled residents have no 1-13 family or regular visitors who routinely check to assure that they 1-14 are receiving the appropriate care to meet their needs; and 1-15 WHEREAS, The ombudsmen receive specialized training and 1-16 are certified by the Texas Department on Aging to be advocates in 1-17 identifying, investigating, and resolving complaints by or on behalf 1-18 of nursing home residents; and 1-19 WHEREAS, The well-being of residents in long-term care 1-20 facilities is enhanced through regular contact with trained and 1-21 certified advocates; they provide an important public service 1-22 through complaint resolution, education, information, and 1-23 assistance; and 2-1 WHEREAS, The volunteer ombudsmen are to be commended for 2-2 their dedication and commitment to the residents of nursing homes; 2-3 now, therefore, be it 2-4 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-5 75th Legislature, hereby recognize February 25, 1997, as 2-6 Long-Term Care Ombudsman Day in Texas; and, be it further 2-7 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an 2-8 expression of the high regard and appreciation of the Texas Senate 2-9 for these outstanding Texans. 2-10 ______________________________________ 2-11 President of the Senate 2-12 I hereby certify that the above 2-13 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-14 on February 13, 1997. 2-15 ______________________________________ 2-16 Secretary of the Senate 2-17 ______________________________________ 2-18 Member, Texas Senate