An ombudsman program for nursing homes in New York has been in place for decades. But now advocates for older people say it needs to be strengthened. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how vulnerable elderly people, especially those living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, can be. It's time to boost a program designed to make sure residents are being properly looked after, said Bill Ferris of AARP New York. 

"We had 15,000 people die in this state in nursing homes all across the state," Ferris said. "If there is any time to reform a program that actually is the voice on the ground for those residents, now is the time."

Nursing home ombudsman travel to nursing homes to make sure residents are being looked after safely in New York — giving family members peace of mind along the way. 

"Not only it helps the resident, but the family member, the caregiver, a lot of times family members can't get to the nursing home," Ferris said. "They can live in different parts of the state, they can live in different parts of the country."

A bill now on Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk would put some teeth on ombudsman oversight. It would implement an awareness program, strengthen reporting procedures to the Department of Health to act on problems and have the facilities include ombudsman in pandemic planning.  

Hochul has until next week to sign the legislation. 

"It would make sure these concerns brought by the ombudsman after they try to resolve the concern to no avail, make sure there is actual enforcement," said Lindsay Heckler, the supervising attorney with the advocacy group Elder Justice NY. 

Ombudsman are well positioned to strenghten oversight of nursing homes, Heckler said. 

"Ombudsman because they are there routinely, they can identify quickly pretty concerning issues or even subtle changes in an individual that needs quick action," she said.