As a physician, Tony Nespole spent his career caring for the health and wellbeing of others, including his final years working at a company that ensures seniors receive quality healthcare through Medicare. For the last four years of his retirement, he has continued to advocate for older adults as a volunteer for Catholic Charities' Ombudsman Program.

"It seemed like the perfect fit for me to continue improving care for the elderly," says Tony, who visits a nursing home in Cupertino twice a week. "They are probably the most disadvantaged segment of our society."

Catholic Charities' Ombudsmen advocate for nursing home and long-term care residents, visiting them regularly and investigating any complaints. Many residents don't have family or friends nearby to make sure their needs are being met.

Thanks to Tony's consistent attention to 75 hard-to-place elderly residents during the recent closing of a long-term care facility, no complaints were logged by the residents, their families or staff, which is highly unusual during such a trying time. He visited residents at least once a day to talk over their concerns and help them get into appropriate housing.

Links to other client stories:
Shima
Tony Nespole
Yolanda Gutierrez