Mairead Painter
Mairead is the Connecticut State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Co-Chair of the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut, Co-Chair of the Connecticut Medicaid Long Term Services & Supports Rebalancing Initiatives Steering Committee, and 1st VP of National Association of State Ombudsman. Prior to becoming State Ombudsman, Mairead was a Social Worker in long-term care facilities, Child Protective Service Social Worker, Regional Ombudsman, and Social Worker at the Department of Social Services (DSS). While at DSS, she became a Program Manager within the Community Options, Strategic Planning Unit. In that position, Mairead was responsible for overseeing several initiatives including nursing home diversification grants, Right-size Rebalancing, and the Informed Choice process for all nursing home closures as well as 2 pilot nursing homes. Mairead views one of her biggest success as furthering the Informed Choice Process in Connecticut Nursing homes and advocating for Person Centered Care. As the State Ombudsman, she promotes and protects residents rights, quality of life and person centered care, while overseeing the Program’s advocacy work. She serves more than 30,000 individuals residing in skilled long-term care nursing facilities, residential care homes, and assisted living/managed residential communities. Ms. Painter has an extensive background working on Connecticut’s long-term care continuum.
