After nearly six years at the helm, Mary Jaeger has stepped down as the state’s long-term care ombudsman and become director of aging veteran services. Now officials are searching for her replacement.
The position closes June 7, and the residential facilities advisory committee is expected to recommend three candidates to Governor Kate Brown, who will make the final selection.Whoever is chosen will earn between $77,000-114,000 annually depending on qualifications and experience.
The ombudsman position is expanding to assume responsibilities for those living in developmentally disability and mental health group homes, following legislative action. Oregon is also starting a public guardianship program.
Currently, 43,000 Oregonians live in nursing homes, memory care units and adult foster homes. “The agency is in a great place, with a wonderful group of volunteers who care about vulnerable Oregonians,” Jaeger said.
Jaeger credits the 200 volunteers for making a difference. “They’ve become the voice of those residents who may have a billing question or can’t make their wishes known because of dementia,” said Jaeger.
People interested in volunteering can participate in a webinar training program offered on June 10.
In her new role, Jaeger is responsible for veterans over age 65, about 160,000 people from the pool of 320,000 veterans living in Oregon, connecting them to the agencies and organizations that offer services, such as the veteran’s nursing homes in The Dalles and Lebanon.
“Had I not been ombudsman I wouldn’t be able to do this job,” Jaeger said. “Careers build on themselves. Every step you take, you learn more and have broader and deeper experiences. That’s happened with my long-term care, provider and ombudsman background.”
Earlier, Jaeger spent nine years as executive director of CASA for children.
Diane can be reached at [email protected].
