The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is an advocacy program established under state and federal law to protect the rights and promote the well-being of nursing home and assisted living residents. Staff and volunteers in the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocate for long term care residents in a variety of ways including investigating complaints and attempting to resolve problems voiced by or on behalf of residents.

Ombudsmen are Here to Serve You
The Carroll County office of the Maryland Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is operated through the Carroll County Bureau of Aging and Disabilities. A trained Ombudsman:

  • Knows residents’ rights and can provide information about residents’ rights to residents, family members, friends and staff members
  • Takes complaints and seeks to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • Protects the confidentiality and privacy of residents, their families, and others who contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
  • Promotes a high quality of life and quality of care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • Encourages self-advocacy by providing information, assistance, and support to residents
  • Provides information to the public on nursing homes, assisted living facilities, resident’s rights, legislative/policy issues and ombudsman services
  • Provides in-service training to long term care facilities and community agencies/groups about residents’ rights, elder abuse, and restraints
  • Supports Resident and Family Councils
  • Promotes community involvement through volunteer opportunities

Ombudsmen are here to help long term care residents by:

  • Advocating for your rights
  • Preserving your privacy
  • Ensuring your dignity
  • Investigating complaints

All information is kept confidential and there is NO charge for Ombudsman services.

Know Your Rights
Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities have the right to:

  • Be treated with dignity, respect, and recognition of his/her individuality
  • Confidentiality and privacy, including the right to have a staff member knock on the resident’s door before entering his/her room
  • Receive care and services that are adequate, appropriate and in compliance with federal and state laws
  • Complete and up to date information about his/her medical care
  • Participate in planning his/her own care
  • Refuse medical treatment, including medications, as long as the resident has been told of the possible consequences
  • Self-administer medications
  • Be free from mental, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse
  • Access to a telephone, to be used privately
  • Manage his/her personal financial affairs
  • Maintain legal counsel
  • Attend or not attend religious services
  • Read his/her medical records and purchase copies within certain time frames
  • Access to stationary, postage, and writing implements at the resident’s expense
  • Visit privately with anyone the resident chooses
  • Receive notice when his/her roommate is changed
  • Voice complaints and to have them responded to within 30 days
  • Share a room with his/her spouse
  • Retain personal clothing and belongings as space permits, as well as be assured everything will be safe and secure

For the full list of resident's rights, please click on the following links:

Additional Information & Resources

 

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program of Carroll County

125 Stoner Ave, Westminster, MD 21157

410-386-3800; Maryland Relay Service 711/800-735-2258

Fax 443-914-2086