State seeks volunteers to help safeguard elderly Looking for a way to make a difference? New Jersey's elder ombudsman needs volunteers to help safeguard elderly people living in nursing homes and other long-termcare facilities. The Volunteer Advocacy Program, administered by the Public Advocate's Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly, acts as the eyes and ears of the ombudsman. Volunteer advocates complement the investigative functions of the ombudsman's office, which is responsible for resolving allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of residents 60 years of age or older who reside in nursing homes, assisted living places and other longterm care facilities. Currently, 200 people volunteer for the program, coming from regions across the state. These volunteers have donated more than 50,000 hours visiting elderly residents of long-term-care facilities and advocating on their behalf, helping to ensure that they receive quality care. The Volunteer Advocate Program, which started as a pilot project in 1993, has since expanded statewide. After completing 32 hours of training in communication, observation and troubleshooting skills, volunteer advocates visit nursing facilities near their homes a minimum of four hours each week and address residents' concerns on such issues as living conditions, daily activities and quality of care. For more information, call (877) 582-6995 or (609) 943-4022, e-mail PublicAdvocate@advocate.state.nj.us or visit www.njpublicadvocate.gov.