What does an Ombudsman do regarding residents' rights?

An Ombudsman plays a critical role in safeguarding and advocating for the rights of residents, particularly in institutional settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or mental health services. Their primary function is to ensure that residents are aware of their rights and that these rights are upheld and respected by the institutions serving them.

The Ombudsman engages with residents to understand their concerns and grievances, providing support and resources to help resolve issues that may impact their quality of life and autonomy. This may include addressing complaints related to care standards, safety, and overall well-being. By promoting residents' rights, the Ombudsman helps to foster an environment of accountability and respect within the care system, ensuring that residents are treated with dignity and that their voices are heard.

The other options represent roles or responsibilities that do not align with the core mission of an Ombudsman in relation to residents' rights. Legal representation, financial dispute resolution, and staff evaluations are specific tasks that may be handled by different professionals or organizations and are not the primary focus of an Ombudsman’s duties.