Ombudsman Program

Ombudsman is an advocacy program created to protect the rights and promote the well being of nursing home residents.

Baltimore County Department of Aging
611 Central Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204
Phone 410-887-4200

Staff and volunteers in the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program serve as advocates for residents of nursing homes, domiciliary care homes, senior assisted living facilities and other similar long term care facilities. They investigate and attempt to resolve problems and complaints made by or on behalf of residents of such facilities.

Staff answers inquiries about nursing home alternatives, financing and other issues related to pre-placement planning or patients' rights. There is no charge for these services.

"I view the exceptional work of the Department and the Ombudsman program as providing protection for those who have nowhere else to turn and as providing guidance to others such as myself who are not sure of how to proceed in new situations concerning aged friends and relatives."

Ombudsman is Here to Serve You 

The Baltimore County Department of Aging's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was established by the Older Americans Act and Maryland Law. Its primary aim is to provide advocacy services to the residents of Baltimore County nursing homes. Trained Ombudsmen work to:

• help residents investigate and resolve complaints through the use of advocacy, negotiation, and mediation skills.
• educate residents, family members, and nursing home staff about residents' rights.
• aid resident and family councils identify and resolve group concerns.
• clarify and communicate concerns to appropriate staff members and help all parties involved find acceptable solutions to problems.
• improve the quality of life of nursing home residents.
• provide trained volunteers to visit, educate, and advocate for nursing home residents.

Know Your Rights

As a nursing home resident, you have the right to:

• be treated with respect and dignity.
• adequate care, treatment, and services.
• a written statement of services and charges.
• control of your personal funds.
• participate in medical treatment planning.
• the name, address, and telephone number of the attending physician at your bedside.
• be free from mental, physical, sexual, and financial abuse and neglect.
• a reasonable response to requests.
• associate and communicate privately with persons or groups of choice.
• have access to writing supplies and postage at the resident's expense.
• privacy.
• retain and use personal clothing.
• be discharged only after 30 days notice and only for safety, medical, or financial reasons.
• present grievances without fear of reprisal, restraint, or discrimination.
• an advance directive to indicate the kind and extent of care desired.

Ombudsmen Can Help

We are here to help:

• protect your rights.
• preserve your privacy.
• ensure your dignity.
• investigate your complaints.

If you have any questions or concerns about Baltimore County nursing homes, or if you wish to file a complaint, call 410-887-4200.

How to Become a Volunteer Ombudsman

List of Nursing Homes

Choosing a Nursing Home

Revised January 29, 2007