RAC is a unique program of the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs's Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Iowa's Area Agencies on Aging. Each long-term care facility in Iowa has a committee comprised of community volunteers who work to improve conditions for people who live in facilities.

Volunteers spend at least 2-3 hours per month at the facility talking with the residents to understand conditions at the facility from the residents' point of view, then work through facility staff to correct problems or implement suggestions for improvement. Issues are sent to the Long Term Care Ombudsman or state regulatory agency if the concerns are not resolved.

For more information on who can volunteer for the RAC program as well as information on training and assistance available, please contact Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging or the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1(800)532-3213.

Click here to read more about Iowa's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and Resident Advocate Committees.