COVID-19 UPDATE in KERN COUNTY FACILITIES
The Kern County Long term Care Ombudsman is committed to protecting and serving residents in long term care facilities. We continue closely monitoring the National, State and local public health advisories.
To minimize and prevent the spread of Coronavirus to facility residents restrictions have been placed on visitors to long-term care facilities. The COVID-19 emergency prohibits in-person visits to long-term care facilities. We encourage all visitors to use telephones and other electronic tools to reach out and check on the well-being of residents.
Until further notice, Ombudsman services to the public will ONLY be via telephone.
If you have a complaint, requesting a medical power of attorney be witnessed in a Skilled Nursing Facility or need to reach a Long-Term Care Ombudsman you may reach us at (661) 323-7884, or you may call our 24- hour State Crisis Line 1(800) 231-4024.
As mandated by the Older Americans Act, the mission of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is to seek resolution of problems and advocate for the rights of residents of long-term care facilities with the goal of enhancing the quality of life and care of residents.
FEDERAL UPDATE
SSI UPDATE: SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SAYS IT WILL NOT CONSIDER AS INCOME THE ONE-TIME $1,200 CORONAVIRUS RELIEF “ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT” FOR SSI RECIPIENTS for more information please visit Website: www.cdcan.us
COVID-19 Scams
Beware of Offers to Test for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Don’t give your Medicare number to anyone over the phone or to door-to-door solicitors offering to test for the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
Beware of:
» Scammers approaching residents of senior housing and assisted living facilities about “opportunities” for COVID-19 testing
» Robocalls about “special virus kits” and asking for your Medicare number to send a “free” test
» Emails offering COVID-19 testing services that can be ordered through a telehealth provider.
If you come across any coronavirus scams or
other healthcare scams, please report it to
California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at
855-613-7080, visit cahealthadvocates.org
