Sherri Smith serves as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman, providing a vital voice for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She began as a volunteer for the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) in 2021 and quickly moved into a staff role. Her work, part of a federally mandated program under the Older Americans Act, is free and confidential. Ombudsman services are available across the country.

Sherri personally visits every nursing home and assisted living community in her assigned area, often unannounced, to ensure residents’ rights, safety, and well-being are protected. She’s also available by phone and will return to address specific concerns as needed.

“What I love most about my job is visiting residents,” Sherri says. “I love hearing their stories and seeing their smiles. Sometimes I’m their only visitor, and that connection means a lot. It’s rewarding to help resolve concerns and make a real difference for someone.”

In Bexar County alone, five staff Ombudsman cover 215 facilities, while three staff members cover 105 more in the surrounding counties. Supporting them are over 50 certified volunteer Ombudsman, who each visit an assigned facility twice a month.

Sherri also teaches the volunteer certification course, preparing individuals to support residents in their communities. No experience is needed—just a commitment to complete the training and visit a facility a few hours each month. The training is held virtually, twice a week for eight weeks.

“I meet amazing people who want to make a difference,” Sherri says. “The knowledge volunteers gain about long-term care is invaluable. Advocacy is powerful, and many residents need someone in their corner.”

For Sherri, being an Ombudsman is more than a job—it’s a calling. “You have to have a heart for advocacy,” she says. And with her passion and dedication, she’s making a meaningful impact every day.

For more information visit the Texas LTC Ombudsman Website: https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/news_info/ombudsman/how_it_works.html. You can also visit their Facebook page.