Esther E Houser is the former State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in the Aging Services Division of the Department of Human Services for the State of Oklahoma.
17 Facts About Esther Houser
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Esther Houser was raised in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania and graduated from Cedar Cliff High School.
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Esther Houser decided to move south and attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned her bachelor's degree in Social Work in 1972.
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Later in 1977, Esther Houser earned a master's of science from the University of Texas.
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Esther Houser became involved with Oklahoma federal social work when she was hired to help with the implementation of food stamps, a brand new program at the time.
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Esther Houser worked for a year in food stamps and moved her way through several programs in the following years.
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Esther Houser eventually noted to the supervisor of the Social Services Division in Oklahoma County DHS office that the state was lacking a program that dealt specifically with elders.
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In 1977 after completing her degree, Esther Houser moved back to Oklahoma to live and work closer to her friends.
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Esther Houser worked for a time in another position with the DHS before she was approached by the head of the Special Unit on Aging to head a new ombudsman position mandated by the Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 1978.
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Esther Houser began the job in 1979 and served in the position until her retirement in 2014.
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Esther Houser built the program from a one-person staff to twenty-eight paid workers and 200 volunteers.
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Esther Houser's work has been published in various publications and manuals related to Ombudsman practice and elderly care.
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On March 29,2003, Esther Houser was inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame for her achievements.
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Esther Houser spends much of her time speaking and writing to inform people about the needs of the elderly.
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Esther Houser has been credited with promoting public and legislative support for passage of the Oklahoma Nursing Home Act of 1980 and the Health Care Initiative of 2001.
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Esther Houser is the author or co-author of many articles concerning adult protection, health care, nursing home care and mental health.
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Esther Houser has maintained a long-time interest in environmental issues.