National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

Who is most responsible for acknowledging and resolving a care recipient's concern regarding care quality in a long-term care organization?

1. Governing body

2. Care recipient council president

3. Social worker

4. Ombudsman

The correct answer is: Social worker

The social worker plays a crucial role in addressing and resolving concerns regarding care quality in a long-term care organization. They are typically trained to understand the complexities of care issues and have the skills to navigate care plans, communicate effectively with care recipients and their families, and advocate for the needs and rights of individuals. Their position allows them to directly engage with residents about their experiences and concerns, and they can facilitate discussions necessary to find solutions or improvements within the care environment. While the governing body holds overarching responsibility for governance and policy, and the care recipient council president represents the interests of residents, it is the social worker who is most directly involved in the day-to-day interactions and resolutions of specific concerns related to care quality. The ombudsman, while also an advocate for residents’ rights, typically functions in a role that addresses systemic issues or complaints rather than resolving individual concerns. Thus, the social worker is best positioned to acknowledge and resolve care recipients' concerns in a more immediate and personalized manner.