Federal Grant Award Summary

The Administration on Aging (AoA), under the Special Programs for the Aging, Title VII, Chapter 2, Long Term Care Ombudsman Services for Older Individuals program (CFDA 93.042), awarded $338,163 to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This formula grant supports the core ombudsman services mandated under the Older Americans Act (OAA), which include identifying, investigating, and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and board and care communities. The awardee will provide information to LTC residents regarding long-term services and supports, ensure regular and timely resident access to ombudsman services, and represent resident interests before governmental agencies to secure administrative and legal remedies.

Beyond direct complaint resolution, the award funds advocacy efforts to analyze and recommend changes to laws and regulations affecting long-term care quality and consumer protections in Puerto Rico. The ombudsman program operates on a statutory formula basis and requires maintenance of records for three years following final expenditure report submission, with audit requirements applicable if nonfederal expenditures exceed $750,000 annually under 45 CFR Part 75.500. This funding enables comprehensive protection of vulnerable elderly residents' health, safety, welfare, and rights across Puerto Rico's long-term care system.