Resident Advocacy
Complete the following form to request specific information on any of the programs or services shown throughout this website.
Providing ombudsman services to residents
of long term care facilities
The Resident Advocate Program is provided free of charge,
and all information provided is strictly confidential.
Long Term Care Residents Have Special Legal Rights
The Residents Bill of Rights states that all residents have the right to:
- Be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity. Be provided with adequate, appropriate care, treatment, and services, receive a written statement of all costs and services provided by the facility. Receive information and participate in the plan of care or even refuse treatment. Be free from physical, mental, and verbal abuse and unauthorized chemical and physical restraints. Have their privacy respected. Have and use their own personal possessions and to have them secured. Receive a reasonable response to requests. Express grievances without fear of retaliation or discrimination. Receive services with reasonable accommodations to individual needs and preferences.
- Have a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.
—(COMAR 10.07.09, 4/22/96)
The Resident Advocacy Program
A resident advocate or ombudsman is a person whose role is to assist in protecting the rights and promoting the well-being of residents of long term care facilities including:
- Nursing homes
- Assisted Living facilities
The Resident Advocate program is a federally mandated program operated through the Charles County Department of Community Services, Aging & Community Centers Division, under the authority of The Maryland Department of Aging Ombudsman Program. Every jurisdiction in Maryland has an ombudsman or resident advocate who protects the rights of residents in long term care facilities.
Who Can Contact the Resident Advocate?
The Advocate Will…
- Investigate unresolved concerns involving the services or the treatment received by the residents.
- Work in cooperation with interested parties to improve the quality of life of residents of long term care facilities.
- Mediate between interested parties concerning services and care provided in the long term care setting.
- Refer unresolved issues to the agencies responsible for taking the necessary corrective action. Provide information about nursing homes and other long term care facilities and services.
- Educate consumers about long term care programs and policy issues.
For more information on the Resident Advocacy Program, please contact us at:
Department of Community Services
Aging & Community Centers Division
8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677
301-934-9305 or 301-870-3388, ext. 5133
email: Long Term Care Coordinator