East Texas senior program needs volunteers to advocate for elderly

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – The Area Agency on Aging is looking for people who want to advocate for the needs of the elderly to join their Ombudsman program .

“The residents we serve mostly want to be listened to. They want to feel heard,” said ETCOG’s Ombudsman program manager, Valerie Rushing. “We oversee 154 facilities in East Texas and encounter thousands of residents. Ombudsmen volunteers help give a voice to those who feel they don’t have a voice and ensure they receive proper care.”

Ombudsman serve seniors by by advocating for them and investigating their complaints. No prior experience is needed to volunteer but volunteers need to be at least 18 years old.

To volunteer call 800-442-8845 or e-mail Valerie Rushing at Valerie.Rushing@etcog.org to learn about their virtual training on Sept. 6, 13 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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