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T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T
49
CHAPTER 4
OPTIONS FOR CARE
Each jurisdiction in the State of Maryland has an Ombudsman program. In Harford
County, the Ombudsman program phone number is
410-638-3577
.
Ombudsman Program
The Ombudsman Program can:
•
Provide a channel to express concerns while preserving one’s privacy
•
Help to resolve concerns and problems, and encourage self-advocacy
•
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•
Educate interested persons about nursing homes, assisted living
facilities, regulations governing them and the rights of residents
•
Work together with interested persons to improve the quality
of life for residents in long-term care facilities
•
Provide information and referral services regarding long-term care
•
Promote the development of citizen organizations, family councils and resident councils
Do you or someone you know live in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
•
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•
Do you have any complaints about the home?
•
Do you have questions about financing nursing home care?
•
Do you have general questions about nursing homes or assisted living facilities?
The Nursing Home Decision
(continued)
What is an Ombudsman?
•
The Ombudsman is a person appointed to receive
complaints from individuals about problems or abuses.
•
The Ombudsman investigates complaints, reports
findings and works to settle disputes fairly.
•
The Ombudsman is an objective listener, a
mediator and an advocate for the resident.
•
The Ombudsman works to defend the
rights of residents in nursing homes
and assisted living facilities.
Who can use an Ombudsman’s Services?
•
Residents of any nursing home
or assisted living facility
•
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home or assisted living resident
•
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interested in the welfare of residents
•
Individuals and Families who are
considering long-term care placement
Harford County Department
of Community Services
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rights under the law that must be provided for residents of assisted living facilities.
For complaints about assisted living facilities, contact the Office of Health Care Quality:
1-877-402-8219
or the Harford County Ombudsman Program at
410-638-3577
.