Choosing a nursing home or residential care facility for a loved one is one of the hardest decisions a family will ever face, and knowing your rights once they're there can feel even harder.

In this episode of Elder Law & Advocacy: The Conversation, host Jaime Levine and Elder Law Attorney Andrew Thompson sit down with Kristin Rigsbee, Education and Outreach Specialist for the County of San Diego Long Term Care Ombudsman's Office, to break down what long term care really looks like in California and how an Ombudsman can help residents navigate complex challenges that arise.

Kristin brings a rare, layered perspective - with 20 years as a long-term care case manager overseeing memory care and assisted living units, prior experience working for an Elder Law attorney, and 12 years serving as an Ombudsman.

She explains what an Ombudsman actually does - a dedicated advocate whose sole purpose is to represent the resident, not the facility, helping families and residents navigate concerns, understand their options, and get the care they truly need.

Whether you're currently searching for a facility, navigating a difficult transition, or simply want to understand your rights (or a loved one's rights) in long-term care, this conversation offers grounded, real-world guidance you won't want to miss.