There are good reasons for Gov. Sean Parnell to proclaim September 2013 “Vulnerable Adult Awareness” month. Alaska has the fastest growing senior population in the nation. Reports of harm to Adult Protective Services have risen 183 percent in the last five years. The Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman now opens four times as many cases each month as it did in 2009. Our state has many vulnerable seniors who need us to stay vigilant so that their dignity, safety and rights are protected. 

 The Ombudsman recruits and trains volunteers to visit seniors in assisted living and nursing homes. Every day volunteer ombudsmen advocate for seniors who are unable to speak for themselves, sometimes even saving lives. I invite Alaskans to consider this volunteer opportunity and to call us at 334-4480 or 800-730-6393 for more information.  

Diana Weber

State of Alaska Long Term Care Ombudsman